The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.
The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.
In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.
Much like the castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece will declare that your home is indeed your castle.
Gothic Revival English Desk of Bleached Oak with Linenfold Motifs, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English bleached oak Gothic Revival desk with linenfold motifs from the first half of the 19th century. This English desk features a rectangular top over three drawers and two sid...
Wood, Oak
A W N Pugin Attri, Gothic Revival Oak Davenport with Linenfold & Floral Carving
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
Located in London, GB
A W N Pugin attributed, A Gothic Revival Oak Davenport with finely executed carved gallery to the top and a sloping writing area opening to reveal storage...
Oak
THEODORE ALEXANDER SECRETAIRE DESK & GOTHIC REVIVAL WiNDSOR BROWN LEATHER CHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, vintage Theodore Alexander folding writing table desk with hidden storage and bro...
Leather, Hardwood
Gillows of Lancaster attri., Gothic Revival Oak Architect's Desk
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster. A rare Gothic Revival architect's folding desk. The top has opposing slides opening to reveal a compartment for storing drawing utensils etc. The ...
Oak
Gothic-style Oak Desk / Table
Located in Beaune, FR
Stunning Gothic-style carved oak desk/table. Richly carved and openwork base. High-quality 19th-century French craftsmanship. Dimensions Total height: 77 cm Height at the wais...
Oak
Late 19th Century British Victorian Walnut & Rosewood Davenport Desk
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th Century British Victorian Walnut & Rosewood Davenport Desk Beautiful piece with has a slant lift-top and side drawers for plenty of storage. Measures: 33" H, 27" W, 24" D
Rosewood, Walnut
Restored Gothic Revival Desk Side Bookcases Drawer Writing Slope Pugin Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Pugin
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare Gothic Revival circa 1840 solid oak partner desk with top drawer writing slope and side bookcases made by either Gillows of Lancaster or Pugin Where to begin, this desk has been on a journey, when I first received the piece it looked like it had been French polished and waxed around 20 times, it had a very clumpy sticky finish, my restorers have stripped back all that horrible guck, they have then lightly stained and French polished it the correct way which has kept all the period patina and simply made it golden, The leather top and writing slope top has been replaced with fully aniline natural cattle hide leather that was plain, I’ve then had my leather polishers dye it this gorgeous whisky brown colour. Lastly there was various small timber repairs which have been done with antique timber...
Leather, Oak
$5,213Sale Price|24% Off
H 33 in W 47 in D 24.5 in
Antique Mahogany Georgian Architect's Drafting Drawing Desk Table Chest 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A rare George II mahogany architect's desk/chest, circa 1750. The desk/ top slides forward, thus allowing the sitter to work, the top having a drafting table that has an easel support to place the top at three different heights, the highest being 47" floor to top. The chest having a plan drawer which is flanked by two pen drawers...
Mahogany
$2,266
H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 23.63 in
Oak desk with three solid oak drawers in mid century modern style
Located in SULECHÓW, -
Oak desk in mid-century style with three drawers and brass handles. The tapered legs are finished with brass plated aluminum feet. Desk made of solid oak wood and wood covered with n...
Brass
$5,316
H 30.12 in W 54.34 in D 41.93 in
Antique English Victorian Double Sided Oak Twin Pedestal 18 Drawer Kneehole Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1880 Victorian English oak antique knee hole 18 drawer desk A wonderful desk, ...
Leather, Oak
$14,500
H 84 in W 48 in D 24 in
19th Century Scandinavian Birch Empire Bureau Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very fine Scandinavian Empire/Biedermeier secretary in beautiful birch wood with mahogany interior, Denmark, circa 1820. The highly sculptural form makes this piece an outstanding ...
Birch
$2,490
H 30.12 in W 50.4 in D 30.71 in
Stylish Art Deco Modernist D End Two Sided Desk, English, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this lovely and totally original light to mid tone oak Art Deco desk dating to the 1930s with a modernist feel. Compact in size this desk is perfect if the ...
Chrome
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 88.25 in W 45.75 in D 23.25 in
Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk Unsigned C1880 Measures - 88 1/4" x 45 3/4" x 23 1/4" A striking example of Renaissance Revival design, this walnut and burl...
Walnut
$2,562
H 28.75 in W 42.25 in D 23.75 in
Antique English Regency Rosewood Library Table Writing Desk Gillows Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Very Imposing example of an English well figured Rosewood Library or Writing Table firmly attributed to renowned Cabinet Makers Gillows of rectangular outline with rounded corners....
Mahogany
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 39 in D 23.5 in
French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fine 19th century French carved oak library table, or writing table desk made in the grand Louis XIII taste. Features thick barley twist legs conjoined on the bottom with barley twis...
Oak
Theodore Alexander Barley Twist Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Theodore Alexander seventeenth century style writing desk, handmade for their Castle Bromwich collection. The tabletop is carved to give the look of parquetry, with two frieze draw...
Wood
$2,295Sale Price|58% Off
H 29.75 in W 48 in D 29.5 in
19th Century Renaissance Revival Desk Library Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Very ornately carved Renaissance Revival rich golden oak desk or library table with leather insert, that we believe to be original. Features include a ...
Leather, Oak
$1,879Sale Price|30% Off
H 33.47 in W 22.05 in D 22.45 in
Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk - C. 1870
Located in Wisbech, England
Presenting an exquisite Victorian Burr and Figured Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk dating back to approximately 1870. This charming piece exudes age and character, making it a ra...
Walnut
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany two-drawer leather top writing desk with carved molded edge, original brasses and terminating on chamfered tapered legs, Late 18th century. Desk is finished on all ...
Neo-Ghotic Bureau - England - Late 19th Century - Carved Oak
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This exquisite Neo-Gothic bureau is a true masterpiece, merging fine craftsmanship with historical elegance. Crafted likely in the late 19th to early 20t...
Oak
Sold
H 67.5 in W 29.25 in D 18.5 in
Antique Gothic Revival Victorian Rosewood & Marble Mirrored Secretary Desk C1850
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Gothic Revival secretary offers rosewood construction with upper having stylized finials over case with double glass doors opening to mirrored interior with storage compar...
Rosewood
Sold
H 42.5 in W 33.5 in D 16 in
Rare Gothic Revival Carved Oak Secretaire / Desk w. Church Window Panels & More
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, wonderful and practical, Gothic Revival desk cabinet with a great patina. If you like Gothic Revival furniture then we are certain you will like this very rare and good quality made, hand-carved Gothic desk...
Bronze
Sold
H 59.45 in W 42.13 in D 18.12 in
Rare Gothic Revival Writing Desk Carved Oak Antique 19th Century Angels Dragons
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exceptional & Breathtaking ! This very high quality Gothic Revival writing desk / secretaire marked 1887. Carved from European oak with superb craftsmanship and numerous details ! The 2 doors are decorated with angels & the top also displays 2 angels. There are 2 dragons on the top piece, gothic faces are made as handle grips for the 4 drawers. The desk has carved gothic panels...
Velvet, Oak
Gothic Revival Coromandel and Brass Lap Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly-prized coromandel, or East Indian ebony, was used to create this beautiful 19th-century British Gothic Revival lap desk. The desirable wo...
Brass
Neo-Gothic Oak Lectern, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Neo-Gothic style oak desk in good condition. It opens to two doors on either side. The top is used as a writing desk and opens. This desk is in good condition.
Oak
Sold
H 30 in W 43.25 in D 25.5 in
19th Century Edwards and Roberts Leather Top Desk with Faux Bamboo Legs
Located in Richmond, VA
Fantastic quality 19th century Neo-Gothic leather top desk with faux bamboo cluster legs made by Edwards and Roberts. Paneled sides and back, Blind fret...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.2 in W 55 in D 29.6 in
Outstanding Gothic Revival Desk w. Quality Carved Church Window Panels & Guards
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful Gothic Revival desk with an amazing presence and patina. If you like Gothic Revival furniture then we are certain you will like this quality made and quality carved Gothic desk. This fine and practical specimen comes with very attractive, church-window-like panels. This intricate oak desk comes with four wonderful and deeply hand carved Gothic knight...
Wrought Iron, Brass
Sold
H 43.5 in W 28 in D 14 in
Antique Walnut Gothic Revival Drop Front Writing Desk Hastings Furniture Co
By Hastings
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique walnut Gothic Revival drop front writing desk by Hastings Furniture Co. circa 1920's. Hand painted sailing ship on leather front. Wroug...
Walnut
19th Century French Carved Oak Gothic Desk
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Highly carved French gothic desk in oak with ornately-carved panels to the front and linen-fold carving to each side and with turned and carved colu...
Oak
19th Century English Ebonized Barley Twist Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic mid-19th century English library table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretchers. Made in the gothic revival period of mid-19th century. Crafted from oak having a ...
Oak
Sold
H 28.9 in W 78.4 in D 39 in
Large and Rare, Hand Carved Antique Gothic Revival Oak Partners Desk, circa 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Impressive and beautiful, hand-crafted antique double sided desk. Everyone knows about first impressions and how much they can mean for a pr...
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron