Edwardian Bookcases,Edwardian Era Bookcases

The Bodleian Library at Oxford University houses the oldest known bookcases today. These were perhaps made in the last few years of the sixteenth century. You will find in this library the oldest example of shelved galleries made over flat wall cases.

Bookcases emerged after the printing press made books affordable to the not so rich class. Soon after people started purchasing books for themselves they needed something to keep the books safely stored. Initially made of Oak which is still considered one of the best materials for the making of bookshelves these became an immediate hit on hitting the markets. The popularity of bookcases soon became synonymous with the increasing popularity of books.

Books were no more a royalty in the Edwardian era and bookcases came up in various sizes and designs to suit the customers needs. The Edwardian era usually refers to the period between 1900 and 1910 when England was under the rule of King Edward VII. A modern and practical monarch, King Edwards reign saw major changes in the lifestyle of not only the rich but also the ones not so fortunate.

A typical example of an Edwardian bookcase would be a revolving bookcase made of mahogany wood. A noteworthy point here is that almost every other furniture in the Edwardian era was made out of mahogany wood. Coming back to the bookcase the inlay of such a bookcase was usually done in Parquetry or boxwood.

Good colours were another remarkable feature of Edwardian bookcases as the era had bid farewell to the dull colours. Standing on four spectacular moulded legs it often had features like a cross banded cabinet.

The revolving bookcases had the unique characteristic of book display sides all around it. Ceramic casters were often used in the legs of such bookcases. A simpler example of an Edwardian bookcase can be a multi shelved open bookcase with a single drawer below. The sides of such bookcases were carved with intensity. Drawers, pigeon holes or letter racks were available in the bookshelves for convenience.

Glazing was used on occasions to add to the visual beauty of the Edwardian bookshelves. Unusual bookshelves contained unique features like adjustable shelves and glazing bars attached to the glazed doors. The makers of these bookshelves laid major emphasis on durability and that perhaps the reason why many such antique bookshelves are still visible in the market.