An extremely rare late 18th century fustic and tulipwood crossbanded marquetry inlaid breakfront bookcase attributed to Mayhew and Ince, the upper section fitted with two pairs of glazed doors containing adjustable shelves and surmounted by an arched fan inlaid pediment, the lower section headed by a lacewood inlaid Vitruvian scrolled border above twin panelled cupboard doors concealing four sliding trays, the doors inlaid with floral sprays within ribbon tied husk ovals, with ebonised mouldings and paterae to the corners, and flanked at each side by five graduated drawers with husked drop ring handles; the whole raised on tapered fluted legs terminating in block toes.
Note: Now fitted with lighting and glass shelves for display purposes. The original wooden shelves retained, which could be reinstated for displaying books.