Antique breakfront bookcases are a perfect vehicle to house, not only books, but also a multitude of interesting objects and cherished possessions, including photographs. With a little time and imagination, they can become the focal point of a room, drawing the gaze and admiration of visitors. Dating back to the early 1870s, this fine English walnut breakfront bookcase, which we have recently restored, is a particularly handsome, and well made, example. A part of that restoration process was to carefully remove layers of dark and degraded polish and wax that had built up over the previous 150 years, to reveal the mellow and decorative walnut beneath. An appealing light green floral fabric lines the interior; it appears to have been there for an exceedingly long time. We could have removed this late addition, and still can, if so desired, however, we really like the contrast and its decorative appeal, which conjures up a timeless piece from an English country house. An attractive antiqu...