Antique Desks and Writing Furniture
Pieces designed for study, correspondence, and the management of personal and professional affairs form this collection. Historically, these items were the centrepiece of the library or study, representing both intellectual pursuit and status. The selection ranges from robust library desks and writing tables to delicate examples like the bonheur du jour, reflecting the shift from formal estate management to private, intimate use.
Pedestal Desk
Definition and Characteristics
A pedestal desk consists of a rectangular top set upon two separate cabinets or “pedestals,” each containing a column of drawers. The space between the pedestals provides a comfortable kneehole for the seated user.
Historical Context
Emerging in the mid 18th century, the pedestal desk became the definitive form of office furniture during the 19th century. Its design evolved to offer greater storage capacity, making it a functional essential for the growing administrative needs of the Victorian era.
Collectability Note
Collectors should prioritise pieces with original leather writing surfaces (often gold-tooled), functioning original drawer locks, and consistent patination across all surfaces, including the pedestals and back panels.
Library Table
Definition and Characteristics
A library table is a substantial, free-standing table designed for the centre of a room. Unlike a pedestal desk, it typically sits on four or more legs rather than enclosed cabinets, providing an elegant and accessible surface for reading or study.
Historical Context
Popularised during the 18th and 19th centuries, the library table was an essential fixture in the grand libraries of country houses. It was designed to support heavy volumes and scholarly pursuits, often incorporating frieze drawers for storing stationery and writing implements.
Collectability Note
Collectors should look for fine quality timber, such as mahogany or walnut, and original brass fittings. Stability is key; ensure the legs are free from significant past repairs and that the tabletop remains level and without excessive warping.
Writing Table
Definition and Characteristics
A writing table is a refined, light, and functional piece of furniture specifically designed for correspondence. Unlike a heavy library table or a pedestal desk, it is typically slender, often featuring a single row of shallow drawers in the frieze and delicate, tapered legs.
Historical Context
These tables gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries as essential components of an elegant home, providing a dedicated space for writing letters in a drawing room or bedroom rather than a formal study.
Collectability Note
Collectors should seek pieces that retain their original leather or inset writing surface and ensure that the drawer mechanisms operate smoothly. Given their light construction, checking for any structural movement or repair to the leg joints is highly recommended.
Partners Writing Desk
Definition and Characteristics
A large double sided desk designed to be used by two people simultaneously, one on each side. These desks are typically wide with drawers and cupboards mirrored on both faces. They often feature leather topped surfaces for writing and provide significant storage capacity, making them a central and imposing feature in professional studies or libraries.
Historical Context
The partners desk became a symbol of authority and executive status in the 19th century. They were primarily used in administrative offices, banks, and the private studies of gentlemen who required a shared space for managing professional or estate affairs. Because they were intended for placement in the middle of a room rather than against a wall, they were crafted with high quality finishes on all sides to demonstrate the owner’s wealth and influence.
Collectability Note
Condition is paramount for these desks due to their heavy daily use. Inspect the leather writing surface for excessive wear, tears, or amateur replacements, as original leather with a rich patina is highly valued. Check that all drawer locks are original and functioning, as replacing period specific hardware is difficult. Because of their size, verify the structural integrity of the frame and legs, ensuring there is no sagging in the centre of the desk top.
Davenport
Definition and Characteristics
A Davenport is a compact, ornate writing desk typically featuring a sloped, hinged writing surface that lifts to reveal internal storage compartments. The base usually consists of a set of drawers to one side, often concealed behind a panel, balanced by a decorative fixed side or column, and supported on castors for mobility.
Historical Context
First appearing in the late 18th century and named after a Captain Davenport who commissioned the design from Gillows of Lancaster, this desk became immensely popular during the 19th century. Its clever, space saving design made it a favourite for the Victorian drawing room or boudoir.
Collectability Note
When acquiring a Davenport, examine the quality of the timber, particularly any inlay or marquetry, and check that the secret drawers or mechanical writing slopes remain functional. Ensure the original castors are present, as these are often lost or replaced on lesser quality examples.
Bureau Plat
Definition and Characteristics
A bureau plat (literally flat desk) is a sophisticated, free standing writing table characterised by a large, rectangular top, often inset with an expansive leather writing surface, supported by elegant legs rather than pedestals. They are frequently adorned with intricate marquetry, ormolu mounts, and decorative veneers.
Historical Context
Originating from French cabinet making traditions, the bureau plat became a coveted form of furniture in elite British households during the 18th and 19th centuries. Designed for the centre of a room, it represented a move away from traditional, bulky writing cabinets toward a more open, aesthetically striking form of desk that showcased the skill of the cabinet maker.
Collectability Note
When appraising a bureau plat, one should look for the quality and state of preservation of the ormolu mounts and the inlay. As these tables were intended to be viewed from all sides, check that the veneer on the reverse and sides is as high quality and well maintained as the front.
Bonheur du Jour
Definition and Characteristics
The bonheur du jour is a small, lightweight writing desk, often referred to as a lady’s writing table, featuring a shallow drawer and a small cabinet or open shelves above the writing surface. These pieces are designed for light correspondence and are typically supported by slender, tapered legs. They are distinguished by their elegant proportions and delicate construction, serving as both a functional desk and a display piece for small decorative objects.
Historical Context
Originating in mid-eighteenth-century France, the bonheur du jour, literally translating to daytime pleasure, became highly fashionable in England during the late-Georgian and Regency periods. It was specifically intended for a lady’s private use in the drawing room or boudoir. The design reflects a departure from the heavy, masculine library furniture of the time, prioritising grace, portability, and refined decorative detail, such as satinwood veneers and marquetry.
Collectability Note
When assessing a piece, check the structural integrity of the slender legs, as these are vulnerable to movement and potential splitting. Ensure the writing surface is level and that any leather or baize lining is original or sympathetic to the period. Verify the condition of the small drawers and the cabinet doors in the upper section, as these components are often subject to wear or damage. Look for consistent signs of age in the veneer and ensure that the hinges and locks operate smoothly.
