"Art Metal" Barrister's Bookcase.

Sectional Glazed Bookcase

We have restored several pieces made by the Art Metal Construction Co before but never a glazed item.(We have some Art Metal 6 drawer index drawer cabinets coming soon...)

This lovely Barrister's bookcase is a very adaptable item made in four sections plus legs and top plinths.Each rebated top is designed to locate the next section which is then locked into place with an internal sliding catch. The sections are finished off with a top plinth with the embossed metal "Art Metal"badge riveted in the centre. Reading "Art Metal.London SW1 England" referring to Art Metal's Works on Buckingham Palace Road in Westminster (see the fantastic pictures below).

We have a second top plinth meaning that, the cabinets could be used in two groups (e.g two sections wall mounted above two standing on legs) and each would have a plinth to finish the top.

Throughout the C20th, Art Metal made wonderfully engineered steel office furniture with a precision & fit which was a cut above the average. In the mid 1910's they supplied sliding fire-proof steel doors for the interior of the passenger liner 'Aquitania". Their 1926 catalogue boasts of their "Steel Office Equipment. Shelving, Filing Cabinets, Cupboards, Desks, Tables, Safes, Bookcases, Card Index Cases, Planfiles, Plandrawers, Wastepaper Baskets, Letter Trays, Counter-height Equipment and Steel and Bronze Interior Equipment for Libraries and Banks."

The glazed front panels pivot upwards from a hinge at the top of each compartment and then slide backwards into the body of the cabinet once horizontal giving clear, easy access to the contents. The original gunmetal paintwork is in very nice condition ; a rich bronzed metallic grey which should prove a good neutral in most homes.

 

£SOLD. For four sections, legs and two top plinths.

 

ITEM No:

DIMENSIONS: W 83cm x H 1m78cm D 29cm

ORIGIN: UK

CONDITION: Very Good, Vintage

STOCK: 1 available

Image of the Art Metal Construction company courtesy of Grace's Guide www.gracesguide.co.uk. A fine resource for anyone interested in researching British Industrial History.