Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Desk by Gillows, Retailed by T. Willson

Country: England

Date: Circa 1865

Medium: Burr Yew, Walnut, Burr Walnut

Dimensions

Height: 90.00cm (35.43 inches)

Width: 60.94cm (23.99 inches)

Depth: 66.01cm (25.99 inches)

Main description

This Victorian burr walnut Davenport desk by Gillows of Lancaster and London, retailed by T. Willson of London, dates to circa 1865 and retains the T. Willson retailer’s stamp. It is constructed with finely figured burr walnut and yew veneers over a mahogany carcass.

The gallery to the upper section is formed from turned solid walnut spindles, while the writing slope is finished with solid walnut thumbnail moulded edges. The faded green leather writing surface lifts to reveal an interior fitted with two short drawers and two faux drawers, with a large well positioned in front for the storage of papers and folios.

A concealed mechanism is operated from the bottom left-hand faux drawer within the desk interior. Pulling the secret knob releases the pen and ink drawer from the right-hand side of the Davenport. The inkwell retains its original two ink bottles together with their original embossed lids, an uncommon survival.

The exterior is arranged with dummy drawers to the left-hand side and four graduated working drawers to the right, with a pull-out slide positioned above the dummy drawers. When closed, the pen and ink drawer sits concealed within the desk behind the two dummy drawers. Susan E. Stuart records this method of construction as one used by Gillows in her two-volume study of the firm, Gillows of Lancaster and London, page 33.

The Davenport is designed to stand freely within a room, with the reverse treated with the same attention as the front. Highly figured burr walnut panels continue around the back, framed by applied long grain mouldings.

The writing slope slides forward to provide a more comfortable writing position when seated. Even when extended, walnut veneers remain visible, maintaining the finished appearance of the desk as it changes into its writing position.

The desk is raised on gadrooned bun feet terminating on the original gilt brass castors.

View the full Freshfords Desk collection.

Literature

Gillows of Lancaster and London by Susan E. Stuart (2008)

Provenance

Freshfords Fine Antiques previous inventory

Freshfords Fine Antiques first owned this Davenport in the 1990s, when the piece was catalogued on the information and evidence available at the time. As with many antiques, further research has since become possible through improved access to published records, online archives and comparative material, while the market itself has also placed greater emphasis on accurate attribution, dating and provenance.

Re-examining the desk today has allowed us to build a much clearer picture of its history. Rather than cataloguing it as the work of T. Willson from the early nineteenth century, the evidence now supports a date of circa 1865 and identifies the retailer as Thomas Willson II, the grandson of the earlier Thomas Willson.

This developing history is part of what makes the Davenport particularly interesting. It demonstrates how an object can be reassessed as new evidence becomes available, allowing its story to be understood with far greater clarity than was possible when Freshfords first handled it more than thirty years ago.

What is a Davenport? 

A davenport desk is a compact antique writing cabinet featuring a slanted writing slope above a column of side facing drawers. Named after Captain Davenport, who commissioned the first design from legendary cabinetmakers Gillows of Lancaster in late 18th century England, this distinctive piece of furniture is engineered for space saving functionality. The top often opens to reveal small interior compartments for stationary and pens, while the side drawers provide practical storage without compromising room space. Crafted from fine timbers like mahogany, walnut and rosewood, the davenport desk remains a sought after classic for home offices, studies and period interiors.

For further information see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Antique Desks and Writing Furniture.

Who Were Gillows of Lancaster and London?

Gillows of Lancaster and London were among Britain’s most celebrated cabinet makers, producing exceptional furniture from the Georgian period through to the early twentieth century. Established around 1730, the firm earned an international reputation for outstanding cabinet making, innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship, with surviving furniture remaining highly sought after by collectors today.

For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Gillows of Lancaster and London.

What is Burr Yew Wood?

Burr yew is an exceptionally rare and decorative wood defined by dramatic, fiery color contrasts featuring rich oranges, deep reds, and russet browns. Its intricate surface is packed with a dense constellation of swirling eyes, pin-knots, and dark pips, making it a luxurious material historically reserved for high-end cabinetry, fine boxes, and statement antique pieces.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Burr Yew Wood.

What is Burr Walnut?

Burr walnut is a rare, highly decorative wood harvested from abnormal growths or burls on walnut trees, where grain patterns grow in tight, swirling knots. Prized by cabinet makers since the late seventeenth century, its figure produces intricate, marble like patterns used extensively for luxury veneers, drawer fronts, and decorative panels.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Burr Walnut.

What is the Victorian Period?

The Victorian period (1837-1901) was one of the most diverse periods in British furniture history. Traditional cabinet making continued alongside industrial advances, with furniture reflecting a wide range of revival styles including Gothic, Rococo, Renaissance and Classical influences.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Victorian Period.

Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.