each unit with four shelves enclosed with a pair of glazed doors

Minty of Oxford was a prominent British furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality office and library furniture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in the mid-19th century by W.J. Minty in Oxford, the company gained a reputation for its craftsmanship, particularly in solid oak pieces and modular shelving systems. Their designs combined practical utility with elegant styling, often favored by academic institutions, offices, and libraries throughout the UK and British Empire.

One of Minty’s most recognizable contributions was their modular bookcase system, which allowed for easy expansion and adaptability — a popular choice for scholarly settings. Their products were often compared to those of Globe-Wernicke, another well-known maker of stacking bookcases. By the early 20th century, Minty had established showrooms on the High Street in Oxford and works to the south of the city.

The company thrived through the interwar years but eventually declined in the post-war period as mass production and changing tastes reduced demand for traditional handcrafted furniture.