Robert Adam bookcases display

In 1761 the 6th Earl of Coventry commissioned one of the finest architects of the day, Robert Adam, to design magnificent bookcases for Croome Court. They were intended to house the 6th Earl’s important collection of books and impress guests. The mahogany bookcases are amongst some of the most ambitious examples of neo-classical furniture of the era, but they’ve not been at Croome since 1975.

In 1948 the majority of Croome Court’s collection was sold, with the contents of entire rooms auctioned off to a variety of different purchasers. Books from the Library were sold to various collectors, but the cases remained in situ until 1975. After the bookcases had left Croome Court, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London acquired them and for many years, provided care and conservation, ensuring the public were able to admire them. Croome has borrowed around half of the bookcases on a three-year loan from the museum so they can be enjoyed once more in the house for which they were intended.

This new display, exploring the design and construction of the bookcases, is an opportunity to look closely at beautifully carved details in separate pieces. Visitors will see the work of the day’s leading makers and discover how the elements fitted together to create one of the most lavish neo-classical libraries in the country.

This temporary homecoming of the bookcases has been made possible by the co-operation of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Trust.