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Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

British

One of the most influential and successful British furniture manufacturers of the Victorian era, Holland & Sons was renowned for its superb quality. It would be difficult to find collectors unfamiliar with Holland — or its rival, Gillows of Lancaster and London — as the company was a leader in neoclassical and Gothic furniture and interior design in the early to mid-1800s, using only the richest of hardwoods and the finest of metals. Antique Holland & Sons chairs, storage cabinets and tables frequently featured rare-specimen wood marquetry and engraved ivory inlays. The manufacturer’s designs grace the collections of museums around the world and can still be found in the royal homes of Europe.   

Two cabinetmakers, Stephen Taprell and William Holland, opened a small joinery in 1815 near Buckingham Palace in London, England, and named it Taprell & Holland. Holland was a relative of the acclaimed Regency architect Henry Holland, the famous gardener and landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown, and the former Member of Parliament Richard Bateman-Robson. This familial edge provided the needed influence for the company among the aristocracy, and their business saw immediate prosperity.  

The firm traded under the name Taprell, Holland & Son for a period, and when Taprell retired in 1843, Holland took over the company and changed the name to Holland & Sons. Holland decided to diversify and began offering a broad range of services to the very wealthy — arranging furniture and household decoration rentals, managing funerals and even providing plumbing services. By 1851, they employed over 350 people.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert commissioned Holland & Sons to supply the entire furnishings of their private homes — Osborne House, Balmoral Castle, Sandringham House and Marlborough House. The Monarch’s satisfaction with Holland and Son’s furnishings led to the company being granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment, affording the owners the opportunity to display the coveted “By Appointment of HM The Queen” mark and her Coat of Arms above the entrance to their offices.  

Other Holland & Sons furniture commissions of note include the London Union Club, the Athenaeum Hotel in London, Arundel Castle in West Essex and the All Souls College in Oxford. The firm was also involved in the funerals of Prince Albert and the mother of Queen Victoria — both in 1861 — and contributed works to the 1901 coronation of Edward VII when they made the throne for his wife, Queen Alexandra.

On 1stDibs, find antique Holland & Sons tables, cabinets, seating and more.

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Creator: Holland & Sons
Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table
Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table

Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table

$20,647Sale Price|40% Off

Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table

By Holland & Sons

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning rare and original early Victorian Holland and Son’s mahogany double sided library table or ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Early Victorian Rosewood Writing Table by Holland and Sons
Early Victorian Rosewood Writing Table by Holland and Sons

Early Victorian Rosewood Writing Table by Holland and Sons

$3,786

Early Victorian Rosewood Writing Table by Holland and Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

The rectangular gilt tooled leather inset top above two short frieze drawers, on fluted ring-turned baluster twin columnar end supports, terminating in recessed castors, one drawer s...

Category

19th Century English Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Stunning 19th Century Mahogany Partners Desk Stamped by Holland & Sons
Stunning 19th Century Mahogany Partners Desk Stamped by Holland & Sons

Stunning 19th Century Mahogany Partners Desk Stamped by Holland & Sons

$10,963

Stunning 19th Century Mahogany Partners Desk Stamped by Holland & Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB

A stunning 19th-century mahogany partners desk by Holland & Sons. Nine drawers on one side and two cupboards on the other. The top is fitted with a newly tooled light burgundy le...

Category

19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Birch or Satinwood Writing Table, Attributed to Holland and Sons
Victorian Birch or Satinwood Writing Table, Attributed to Holland and Sons

Victorian Birch or Satinwood Writing Table, Attributed to Holland and Sons

$3,120

Victorian Birch or Satinwood Writing Table, Attributed to Holland and Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Victorian birch or satinwood writing table, attributed to Holland and Sons, the leather-inset top with moulded edges above a disguised single frieze drawer, the end supports compri...

Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Leather, Birch, Kingwood, Satinwood, Tulipwood

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Antique 19th C. English Regency Maple & Oak Tooled Leather Top Partner's Desk
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Small Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk, Oak Veneer and Chromium Plated Metal c 1930
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Antique Slant-Front Drafting Desk Writing Table
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Antique English Oak & Leather Top Double-Sided Library Table Partner's Desk 1860
Antique English Oak & Leather Top Double-Sided Library Table Partner's Desk 1860

Antique English Oak & Leather Top Double-Sided Library Table Partner's Desk 1860

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H 29 in W 56 in D 41 in

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Mahogany Twin Pedestal Partner's Desk of Antique Quality from the 1920s
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Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk

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H 29.93 in W 48.04 in D 22.84 in

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Previously Available Items
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A George IV Century Holland and Sons Writing Table
A George IV Century Holland and Sons Writing Table

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H 31.5 in W 48.04 in D 22.05 in

A George IV Century Holland and Sons Writing Table

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Located in London, England

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Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Table by Holland & Sons
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Table by Holland & Sons

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Table by Holland & Sons

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H 29.93 in W 53.94 in D 33.08 in

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Table by Holland & Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in London, GB

A superb antique Victorian leather top writing table / desk in burr walnut. This was made in England by Holland & Sons, it dates from around 1860-1880. The quality is outstanding, t...

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1870s British Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

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ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK

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H 29.73 in W 47.64 in D 31.11 in

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK

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Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

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Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons
Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons

Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons

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H 30 in W 72 in D 48 in

Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in New Orleans, LA

This handsome library table is a remarkable example of the English furnishings that represented wealthy Victorian tastes. The piece is attributed to Holland & Sons, a firm regarded as one of the most important cabinetmakers of the era. Crafted of rich mahogany with gilt brass mounts and a tooled leather writing surface, this table characterizes the superb craftsmanship of Holland & Sons and exudes Victorian elegance. The well-known British cabinetmaking firm of Holland & Sons was considered the top of their class in their day. Found in 1803 by William Holland...

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19th Century English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

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English Regency Mahogany Library Writing Table by Holland & Sons
English Regency Mahogany Library Writing Table by Holland & Sons

English Regency Mahogany Library Writing Table by Holland & Sons

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H 28.94 in W 40.75 in D 22.45 in

English Regency Mahogany Library Writing Table by Holland & Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine English regency mahogany library writing table by Holland & Sons, the top with a moulded edge above a pair of frieze drawers, raised on tapered end supports carved with A...

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1820s English Regency Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

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Mid-Victorian Free-Standing Walnut Writing Table by Holland and Sons
Mid-Victorian Free-Standing Walnut Writing Table by Holland and Sons

Mid-Victorian Free-Standing Walnut Writing Table by Holland and Sons

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H 29 in W 36 in D 21 in

Mid-Victorian Free-Standing Walnut Writing Table by Holland and Sons

By Holland & Sons

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A mid-Victorian free-standing walnut writing table by Holland and Sons, the rectangular top with two frieze drawers, raised on turned, tapering cylindrical legs, with the original kn...

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19th Century British Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

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Walnut

Handsome Oak Writing Desk, England, circa 1870
Handsome Oak Writing Desk, England, circa 1870

Handsome Oak Writing Desk, England, circa 1870

Sold

H 30 in W 66.5 in D 30.5 in

Handsome Oak Writing Desk, England, circa 1870

By Holland & Sons

Located in Culver City, CA

Handsome Oak Writing Desk, circa 1870 Sturdy construction with brass hardware and ornate detailing throughout. Made by Holland & Sons, London.

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1870s English Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

Holland & Sons desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Holland & Sons desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Holland & Sons desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Holland & Sons were created in the Victorian style in united kingdom during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Gillows of Lancaster & London, and Edwards & Roberts. Prices for Holland & Sons desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,221 and can go as high as $34,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,884.
Questions About Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables
  • What is Gouda Holland pottery?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Gouda Holland pottery is a type of pottery produced in the Netherlands during the early 20th century. It shares a name with the city from where it originated. Typically, Gouda pottery shows off colorful, ornate designs inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs. Shop a collection of Gouda pottery on 1stDibs.
  • Are all Howard and Sons chairs stamped?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, all Howard and Sons chairs are stamped. However, the type and location of the stamp varies. You may see a name or number on a caster wheel or foot on some pieces. Others display the stamp on a paper label sewn onto the fabric. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Howard and Sons chairs.
  • Is Wm Rogers & Son real silver?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Yes, Wm Rogers & Son is real silver. However, most pieces aren't solid silver. The silversmith worked predominantly in silver plate, which is a base metal finished with a thin layer of genuine silver. Shop a selection of Wm Rogers & Sons silver wares from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • How can I spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair, first look for a name or number on the inside of the back foot. There may also be a paper label sewn into the hessian or a name stamp on the wheel. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of expertly vetted Howard & Sons chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.

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