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
A George IV Century Holland and Sons Writing Table
By Holland & Sons
Located in London, GB
A very fine mahogany writing table on four masculine legs, terminating in cope castors with two drawers above, deep rich timber top with stamp.
England, 1820
H 80 x W 122 x D 57 cm...
Category
1820s English George IV Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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 leathe...
Category
19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
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
$23,563 Sale Price
30% Off
Small Victorian Oak and Ebony Partner’s Desk, Attributed to Holland and Sons
By Holland & Sons
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A small Victorian oak and ebony partner’s desk, attributed to Holland and Son, the shaped rectangular leather-inset top set above a knee-hole with a...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ebony, Oak
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
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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Bodil Kjaer, Executive Writing Desk for E. Pedersen & Son, Denmark 1963
By Bodil Kjaer, E. Pedersen & Søn
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Early and rare edition of Bodil Kjaer freestanding executive desk, model 901 with chrome-plated metal frame, cassette top with four recessed drawers. Metal frame in very good condition. Four keys included.
Produced by E. Pedersen & Søn, Denmark.
An identical desk featured in the 1960s in the New York Times and The Sunday Times. It became even more famous when it was in some of the first James Bond films: ‘From Russia with love’ & ‘You only live twice’. The desk also appeared prominently in BBC election broadcasts.
Literature: Mobilia, June 1961.
This freestanding desk can be used with multiple purposes, as a writing table, desk or just 'work table', as Bodil Kjaer herself called it. According to Bodil Kjaer the idea of the table is, "that it should be suitable with modern art and architecture." The table is part of a larger series of elements of architecture in 1959, with the intention to build flexible working environments. This piece shows an interesting rhythm of horizontal and vertical lines, as do most of Kjaer's designs. The front is divided into four drawers. (Can be locked with its original Keys) The back has the same in inward gap yet without the drawers, yet this aesthetic choice unites the back and front and turns it into a monumental, architectural piece. The handles are all executed with a whole in the middle for functionality. The table's rise to fame was helped by its appearance in James Bond - From Russia with Love.
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Young executives that Bodil Kjær encountered in her work in architecture and design in the late 1950es were open, creative and flexible in their way of working. So, she reasoned that it would be counter-productive for them to be offered traditional office...
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George IV Burr-Maple Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A GEORGE IV BURR MAPLE WRITING-TABLE IN THE MANNER OF RICHARD BRIDGENS, CIRCA 1830.
The frieze fitted with two mahogany-lined drawers. The feet with concealed castors.
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Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine and very rare antique Victorian burr walnut twin pedestal partners desk, Circa 1860 in date.
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Previously Available Items
Nineteenth Century English Oak Library Table by Holland & Sons
By Holland & Sons
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A Nineteenth century Holland & Sons library table, circa 1830s, oak with gilt-tooled leather skiver, raised on lambrequin carved turned and tapered legs, with brass castors.
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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.
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ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK
By Holland & Sons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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H 29.73 in W 47.64 in D 31.11 in
English Regency Mahogany Library Writing Table by Holland & Sons
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Handsome Oak Writing Desk, England, circa 1870
By Holland & Sons
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Handsome Oak Writing Desk, circa 1870
Sturdy construction with brass hardware and ornate detailing throughout. Made by Holland & Sons, London.
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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 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Gouda 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.