Glazed Bookcase by Reprodux

Description

An impressive vintage glazed bookcase and display cabinet by Bevan Funnell, produced as part of the renowned English maker's Reprodux range.

Tall, elegant and highly decorative, this is a particularly striking example of Bevan Funnell's traditional reproduction furniture, drawing strongly on Georgian Gothic and Gothic Revival design.

The upper section is enclosed by a pair of tall glazed doors, each arranged with sweeping pointed-arch glazing bars that create an attractive architectural pattern across the front. The repeated arches and elongated oval forms give the cabinet considerable presence while allowing the contents to remain clearly visible. Above the doors is one of the cabinet's most distinctive details: a deep decorative frieze formed from a repeated series of pointed Gothic arches and small pendant details. A further moulded band above completes the architectural effect and gives the cabinet a strong, almost ecclesiastical character.

The glazed upper cabinet provides generous display space with shelving for books, glass, ceramics or decorative collections. The darker interior gives displayed pieces a particularly effective backdrop. Below sits a separate enclosed cupboard section with a further pair of doors. These feature richly figured mahogany panels framed by restrained moulding and small circular decorative details at each corner. The lower section provides useful concealed storage. Between the two sections is a finely detailed horizontal frieze with repeated vertical decoration, while the cabinet stands on shaped bracket feet.

The timber has a warm, deep colour throughout, with particularly attractive figuring visible around the glazed doors and across the lower cupboard panels. The restrained dark finish works extremely well with the Gothic detailing and prevents the piece from appearing overly ornate.

A maker's label inside confirms manufacture by Bevan Funnell Ltd, England, under their Reprodux name. Bevan Funnell became particularly known for producing well-made interpretations of earlier English furniture, and this cabinet is a good example of that tradition: decorative enough to become a room feature, but still highly practical.

It would work equally well as a traditional bookcase, china cabinet, drinks display or collector's cabinet and would suit both a period interior and a more contemporary room where one strong traditional piece is used as a focal point. A substantial and distinctive piece of vintage English furniture with excellent decorative presence

length 102cm / depth 36cm / height 198.5cm