An oak Bookcase

DESIGNED BY E.W. GODWIN FOR DROMORE CASTLE, IRELAND, MANUFACTURED BY WILLIAM WATT, CIRCA 1869/70

Details
An oak Bookcase
Designed by E.W. Godwin for Dromore Castle, Ireland, manufactured by William Watt, circa 1869/70
Three open shelves surmounted by pierced triangular console finials and supported above the base by arched brackets with central turned columns, the lower part with twin panelled doors mounted with typical riveted brass handles/lockplates, square section legs with scrolled feet
49in. (124.5cm.) maximum width; 88¼in. (224cm.) high; 21 3/8in. (54.3cm.) deep
Provenance
Dromore Castle until the 1940s.
The family of Samuel Beckett.
An employee of the Beckett family.

Lot Essay

The present bookcase is one of several examples produced for Dromore Castle by William Watt to Godwin's design of 1869. Dromore Castle was commissioned by William Hale James Charles Perry, 3rd Earl of Limerick, in 1865, Godwin being responsible for both the exterior and interior designs. The furniture for Dromore was manufactured to Godwin's designs by William Watt, whose exceptional skill as a cabinet-maker met Godwin's own exacting standards.
Cf: Elisabeth Aslin, The Furniture Designs of E. W. Godwin, London, 1986, Cat. No. 10, (ill. p. 43).
See also: Christies, London, 16 February, 1994, Lot 37, another example offered.

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