The bookcase, with arched panels of fine flame-figured mahogany, has reeded pilasters capped by acanthus-wrapped trusses in the early 19th Century antique fashion. It is likely to have formed part of the furnishings commissioned for Burghley House by Brownlow Cecil, 2nd Marquess of Exeter (d. 1867) shortly before he entertained the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, Princess Victoria at the mansion in 1835. It bears the brand of Mary Willson, who administered the Great Queen Street 'furniture works' from 1830.