Mid-18th Century Italian Venetian Walnut, Tulipwood & Marquetry Bureau Bookcase

A large mid-18th century Italian walnut, tulipwood and marquetry inlaid bureau bookcase, made in Venice, circa 1740, combining a glazed bookcase upper section with a fall-front bureau below.

Bureau bookcases of this quality were expensive luxury furnishings when made and would have been commissioned for the homes of wealthy Venetian merchants, noble families, or members of the aristocracy. Combining display space, secure storage, and a writing bureau, they were designed to demonstrate both status and taste.

Surviving Venetian bureau bookcases of the period are comparatively uncommon, and examples featuring such extensive marquetry decoration throughout are rare. The combination of walnut, tulipwood, intricate inlay, secret compartments, and original writing features makes this an especially interesting example of 18th century Venetian furniture.

The upper section is surmounted by a characteristic high Venetian pediment above a pair of glazed doors opening to shelves within. Throughout the piece is marquetry decoration incorporating floral motifs, scrolling foliage, birds and butterflies.

The lower bureau section features canted corners with carved capitals and is fitted with three graduating marquetry inlaid drawers with octagonal brass handles, each centred with a theatrical detail. The fall front opens to reveal a fitted interior comprising four small drawers, each with brass handles. To the centre is a small cupboard with a pair of doors opening to a compartment within. This compartment incorporates a concealed sliding panel, which can be drawn forward to reveal a hidden secret compartment.

Above the bureau and beneath the base of the upper display cabinet are a pair of sliding candle slides. The piece stands on carved acanthus feet and displays the decorative qualities associated with fine 18th century Venetian furniture.

For ease of moving and installation, the piece separates into two sections, with the upper glazed bookcase lifting off the lower bureau.

Provenance

Linburn House, West Lothian

Behind the upper pediment, a diagonal supporting timber is stamped "Linburn House". Whilst no surviving house of this name exists today in either England or Italy, there was formerly a substantial country house known as Linburn House in West Lothian, Scotland.

Although demolished in 1955, Linburn House is recorded within Scotland's Lost Country Houses archive, indicating its status as a significant country residence. Surviving references include the estate's walled garden, sundial and other associated features.

Mawley Hall, Shropshire

The cabinet also bears a Mawley Hall label with stock reference number 87. Mawley Hall is an important Grade I listed 18th century country house near Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire. Historically associated with the Blount family, the estate remained in their ownership until the mid-20th century. Following its sale in 1962, the house underwent extensive restoration and remains one of Shropshire's most notable country houses.

Condition:

Carefully restored and ready for use. The bureau retains its original locks and keys for both the glazed upper section and the bureau fall front. The brass handles have been replaced later with early 19th century handles.

There are historic signs of woodworm, which is commonly encountered in Italian furniture of this period due to the use of native softwoods in construction. The worm has been professionally treated to ensure continued protection.

Dimensions:

Bureau Bookcase

• Height: 255 cm / 100.39 in
• Width: 146 cm / 57.48 in
• Depth: 70 cm / 27.56 in

Fall-Front Writing Height

• 87 cm / 34.25 in

Delivery

Free UK Mainland Delivery Included

International Buyers: Please contact us for a freight shipping quote. This item is too large for standard eBay international shipping services. Professional packing and crating available.