Hawthornes Antiques

Description

Presenting a finely made bookcase and quite a rare piece to find in the U.K. at some point making the trip across the Atlantic to our shores.

Of solid oak construction and finely carved with figures, garlands and what we think are representations of pineapples. This particular style from the Horner company is commonly referred to as the praying monk bookcase. Finished in a pleasing ebony polish and in great condition, just one small loss to one of the lion paw feet.

Robert J. Horner established his retail furniture company, R.J. Horner & Co., in 1886 in lower Manhattan with the goal of selling his furniture to a large market of buyers.

He marketed his pieces to both the wealthy and working class. While many of Horner’s contemporaries limited their marketing radius to their immediate area, Horner made his name and furniture known along the East Coast and even into the Midwest. Because Horner understood that people of all locations and financial means want quality furniture, he capitalized on a broader market.

Horner earned a reputation as a top-notch furniture maker of his time with precisely, beautifully and distinctly carved pieces. He retired in 1915 after merging with a neighbouring furniture manufacturer, George C. Flint.