Through visual and technical examination, this article explores the work of William Burges a and other artists between 1859 and 1862 in completing the painted decoration of his 'Great Bookcase'. In particular, it attempts to understand the various stages, methods and materials of production, and to draw parallels with Burges' ideas on medieval furniture. Later alterations to the structure and a connected simplification of the decorative scheme are also considered as part necessary, part aes...