#greatbookcase

The Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–81), an eminent Victorian architect and designer. It took about three years to complete, and was painted by fourteen artists, all associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement. ⁠

When conservator Tea Ghigo took a look at the case, something in particular caught her eye; an unusual turquoise colour used to paint the backgrounds of a number of the panels. The strokes appeared to have a very different quality from the painting on the rest of the case, almost as if done in a hurry. Which of the artist’s who had a hand in creating this masterpiece were using their brush so carelessly, and why? ⁠