Why You’ll Love It
This exceptional 1:12 scale walnut breakfront library bookcase by British artisan Alan Barnes of Tarbena Miniatures showcases beautifully detailed traditional English furniture craftsmanship. Constructed from rich walnut wood, the cabinet features a distinctive projecting central breakfront, delicate contrasting inlay borders, and six finely turned feet. Three functional upper drawers are fitted with miniature brass-toned bail pulls, while the flanking cabinet doors and exterior side panels feature intricate metal grille inserts with fabric backing. The central section contains three open shelves fitted with removable carved wooden book inserts, individually hand-painted to resemble tightly packed antique leather-bound volumes in rich shades of blue, green, red, gold, and brown. Removing the inserts reveals versatile open shelving. The carefully aged finish adds authentic antique character to this distinctive piece. Signed by the artist and dated 2009 on the reverse.
Perfect for
An elegant addition to Georgian libraries, traditional studies, gentleman's offices, and stately English manor houses. Particularly suited to 18th-century-inspired interiors, sophisticated drawing rooms, and collections of fine British artisan miniature furniture..
Details
Materials: Walnut wood
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 3” tall × 5 ½” long × 1 ¼” deep
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Alan Barnes of Tarbena Miniatures (UK)
Collection: Madame 'Y' of Japan
Please Note: Listing includes the walnut breakfront bookcase credenza with removable faux-book shelf inserts only. Chair, rug, artwork, and other furnishings or staging accessories shown in photographs are not included.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
