A burr walnut corner lady's bureau bookcase in early 18th century style by Elsie Robinson

A burr walnut corner lady's bureau bookcase in early 18th century style by Elsie Robinson, inlaid with feather stringing, the arched top above an astragal glazed door enclosing shaped shelves, above a hinged fall revealing a curved interior of part ebony drawers and pigeon holes, with a central cupboard door and a secret step compartment, above an arrangement of eleven drawers on carved cabriole legs on ball and claw feet, 191.7cm high, 78cm wide, 47cm deep.

Provenance: This lot was made by Miss Elsie Robinson in the 1930s. Elsie was a self-taught cabinet maker who was inspired to make furniture after studying woodwork at Bagshot Technical School. She would visit the Victoria & Albert museum in her spare time and would study and sketch early 18th century furniture and would then recreate her favourite pieces. She exhibited at the Royal Amateur Art Society and won various prizes for her work. The following lot has passed from Elsie by descent to the present owner.