A reader commented in Picture This XXV regarding the Elizabeth Carter bureau bookcase in Dr Johnson’s House in Gough Square, London.
The location and design of the lopers in Carter’s bureau is unusual (fig.1).
Fig. 1. Elizabeth Carter’s bureau bookcase.
The ends of the top drawer dividers of the chests in figures 2 and 3 are checked to allow the front edges of the lopers to extend up to support the top drawers by their runners.
Fig. 2. George III mahogany chest with tall lopers. (William Word)
Fig. 3. George III mahogany chest with tall lopers. (Summers Davis)
However, the subjacent divider of Carter’s top drawer appears unbroken at its ends and the normal height lopers suggest they would be incapable of supporting the top drawer.
Had the bureau bookcase been in the form of a bookcase- or cabinet-on-chest, then I would surmise the chest’s top drawer was a secretaire drawer with the fold-down drawer front being supported by 90° hinges installed in the sides of the drawer front (fig. 4) – as opposed to the more usual and robust self-supporting arrangement of flap hinges and quadrant stays (fig. 5).
Fig. 4. Stop hinges support open drawer front without the need for stays.
Fig. 5. Secretaire drawer with brass flap hinges and quadrant stays.
But why would Carter’s furniture be both a bureau and a secretaire? It wouldn’t. In the absence of any concrete evidence though, I have to imagine the top drawer of the bureau is a fitted dressing drawer, where the front of the drawer folds down similar to a secretaire drawer to expose, possibly, a baize-lined brushing slide and compartments or pigeonholes for wig powder, perfumes and lotions etc. If the drawer front is hinged such that, when open, it occupies the space that is the height of the subjacent drawer divider, then the standard height lopers would support the drawer front, allowing for the added pressure whilst brushing and pressing clothes.
The top drawers of gentlemen’s dressing chests often incorporate a brushing slide that retracts to reveal a fitted interior (figs. 6 & 7).
Fig. 6. George III mahogany chest with dressing drawer fitted with a brushing slide. (William Word)
Fig. 7. George III mahogany chest with brushing slide retracted. (William Word)
Dressing chests of this format conveniently offer both writing and brushing surfaces for apartment living.
Fig. 8. George III mahogany caddy-top dressing chest, circa 1765. (Bonhams)
Jack Plane
Pegs and 'Tails 
Splendid example.
Thank you Jack Plane.
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In figures 6 & 7, it looks like the lopers aren’t supporting the top drawer at all.
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Indeed, the lopers have presumably shrunk in height, allowing them to tip down at the front. It’s a simple fix, only requiring the addition of a thin strip of wood to the rearmost top edge of the lopers.
JP
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Are the handles replacements on Dr. Johnson’s bureau, they seem a little late seeing that Johnson died in 1784. I must say I enjoy your blog very much.
Regards Kevin Joy.
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The bureau belonged to the poet, Elizabeth Carter, who edited Johnson’s periodicals. The handles on her bureau are late eighteenth-century. Carter died in 1806.
JP
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Thank you for following up on my query from late last year. I since e-mailed dr. Johnson’s house to see the bookcase opened, but have not had a response. Unfortunately I have not had time to go back and ask in person.
I had not thought of a baize covered drawer, and I am now more intrigued to see the actual book case in dr. Johnson’s house. When I am next in the area I’ll pop in.
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