Early 19th Century English Regency Era Mahogany Canterbury Revolving Bookcase Magazine Rack

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A rare and exceptional fine quality Regency Period (1811-1820) English mahogany revolving canterbury.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in the United Kingdom at … Read more A rare and exceptional fine quality Regency Period (1811-1820) English mahogany revolving canterbury.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in the United Kingdom at a time in history known as the peak of refined elegance, sophistication and culture, the Regency period was the epotime of decorative arts refinement and a highlight of the Georgian era (1714–1837). Designed as a short, small, portable holder for sheet music, this elegant early 19th century rolling sheet music stand would have almost certainly been placed next to a piano in the grand parlor of a wealthy upper-class British / English estate.

First introduced in the late 18th century Georgia III period, circa 1780, and got its name from the first commissioned piece by the Archbishop of canterbury. For nearly the first century of its existence the canterbury was typically only owned by people of significant means. Which lead to it becoming more popular throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods, and by the 1860s spreading across the Atlantic and considered a status symbol within wealthier American homes.

Emulating high society, the canterbury's popularity grew, eventually being found in middle-class homes that lacked a piano, so instead of its intended use, it became repurposed and the divided compartments became perfect for magazines, books, newspapers, serveware, and numerous other creative uses.

This scarce early original canterbury features high quality solid wood construction, crafted of warm rich mahogany, showcasing the elegant, refined, yet simple and highly functional design the Regency period is so treasured for, having a partitioned open top with cutout carry handle, the slatted upper rack is divided into four sections, above an incorporated single drawer base affixed with the original brass hardware, mounted a rotating central pedestal, rising on four splayed legs, terminating in original beautifully patinated brass claw foot casters. circa 1815 See less