A George III Polychrome Decorated Bookcase Attributed to Seddon

The sophisticated painted decoration on this secretaire bookcase suggests an attribution to Seddon, Son and Shackleton. The pattern relates to a design by Thomas Sheraton for a Secretary and Bookcase, published as pl.XXVIII in The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book, 1793.

The upper part has an arched pediment that is decorated with a trophy appropriately emblematic of learning and swagged pearl chains, above a pair of astragal glazed doors enclosing adjustable shelves. The lower part, with a rectangular top and slightly projecting front corners, is above a twin panelled secretaire drawer decorated with oval pearl bordered medallions depicting floral baskets and enclosing a fitted interior with a baize lined writing surface, seven pigeon holes and six various drawers, one fitted with aperture for inkwells with a white metal topped inkwell. The panel doors below are decorated with oval ivy wreath medallions with pearl borders enclosing an adjustable shelf, all on square section tapering feet.