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Arts blog Hyperallergic has published some very cool photos of a Clinton Hill mansion, showing the interiors and decor as they were in the 19th century. The house, 353 Clinton Avenue, is no longer standing.

The photos surfaced as part of an auction at the Swann Galleries that takes place December 11. Lot 47 of Sale 2370 consists of seven albumen prints in a gilt-lettered leather album with marbled endpapers. The date of the album is estimated to be approximately 1876 and the photos show elaborate Aesthetic Movement, Neo-Grec and Japanese influenced interiors with painted ceilings, wallpaper and gas lighting. The spaces include the main hall, a reception room, library, drawing room (pictured above), family room or living room, dining room and a butler’s pantry.

We’re guessing from the type and arrangement of rooms that this house was wider than the average row house. The butler’s pantry is especially elaborate and interesting, with copious room to display plates, bead board backing, and Japanese-influenced cupboards and divided lights that would later become common in early 20th century bungalows. The home belonged to industrialist and chemist W.H. Nichols.

Click through to see all the photos.

19th-Century Photos of a Brooklyn Brownstone [Hyperallergic]
Photos via Hyperallergic

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Above, dining room.

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Entry hall.

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We’re guessing this was probably the reception room.

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Above, library.

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Perhaps this was the family room or living room, above.

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The butler’s pantry.


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