A truly superb and extremely rare & important (possibly a one-off commissioned piece)
early Arts & Crafts Cotswold School circa 1927 oak bookcase/booktable by Gordon Russell.
Unlike the production model Gordon Russell book donkey (designed mainly to take Penguin sized books), this can accommodate larger sizes. A previously unseen design, with an unusual and visually stunning off-set cruciform alignment, allowing maximum shelf-room. Through wedged tenons and beautifully exposed dovetailing; the whole resting on shaped chamfered angled block feet.
Open shelving to all four sides.
A photograph of this bookcase exists in the Gordon Russell archives of the Corinium Museum, Cotswold District Council, Cirencester.
Also illustrated in An Introduction to Decorative Woodwork pub. by The University Press.
Also illustrated in Modern English Furniture by JC Rogers page 146.
Approx 39" widest point across each way and 34" high. Height between shelves is min 9".
The original drawing for this, Design 641, is in the Gordon Russell Museum archives
and the booktable & line drawing are illustrated on page 87 of their recent publication:
Drawn to Design by Ray Leigh and Trevor Chinn; 2013.
