Photos By Gail

Portable, revolving book stands, like this one made of ebonized cherry and paper, (1875) allowed owners to have books, perhaps even the latest home decorating manuals, easily accessible in the parlor or drawing room. The paper panels that enrich these stands —  with pointed quatrefoils on one and a variety of medieval-style musicians on the other — are based on ceramic tiles designed by the prominent British firm Minton and Company.

For Kimbel and Cabus, paper panels proved a cost-effective means of adding fashionable decoration to smaller form, thus making their wares accessible to a broad range of consumers.

Photographed in the Brooklyn Museum as Part of the Exhibit Modern Gothic: The Inventive Furniture of Kimbel and Cabus, 1863–82.