Bookcase, 1820-1850

This bookcase belonged to Belleville merchant Thomas Reynolds, brother to John Reynolds, the fourth governor of Illinois. Bookcases of this type suggested that their owners were wealthy and well educated. The glass for the doors had to be shipped from Philadelphia, adding considerable expense yet serving to protect the delicate leather bookbindings from dust. The Reynolds family lived in Pennsylvania and Tennessee before moving to Illinois by 1800.

Probably made near Belleville, IL
Cherry wood
Illinois State Museum purchase (745063)

Furniture | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96