Regency Desks

This exceptional Regency desk was specially crafted for one of the most legendary men in Western history, Napoléon Bonaparte. Commissioned by the British government for Napoléon's personal use during his exile on the island of St. Helena, the exceptionally rare relic was crafted by George Bullock, one of the most important British cabinetmakers of the 19th century. Absolutely extraordinary in both provenance and craftsmanship, a piece of furniture of this incredible importance is rarely seen on the market. When Napoléon was exiled to St. Helena in 1815, an order was issued by King George IV (then the Prince Regent) that the former Emperor “should be furnished in his banishment with every possible gratification and comfort.” It was thus that the renowned George Bullock was commissioned to create a group of furniture that was relatively unadorned, yet befitting Napoléon’s former status. This stately, masterfully crafted desk was among them and resided in Napoléon’s own bedroom during his six years on the remote island. He spent much of his remaining time writing his memoirs, many of which would have been penned on this very desk. Told in his own words, the story of his life became the single best-selling book of the 19th century. One of the most recognizable names in the world, Napoléon's rapid rise to power and equally swift downfall continues to fascinate almost 200 years after his death. Rising to prominence during the French Revolution, it was his genius as both a tactician and a statesman that won him the crown of Emperor of the French. Yet, his eventual defeat at the hands of the Coalition Forces - Great Britain, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, and the German States - leading to his banishment on the remote island of St. Helena. One of France’s most legendary figures, mementos belonging to the famed Emperor are highly coveted. This exceptional desk, crafted by one of the greatest names in British furniture for one of the greatest leaders of the modern age, is particularly extraordinary. George Bullock began his career as a modeler and sculpture artist in Liverpool before moving to London in 1812. It is unclear what prompted his move into furniture design, though it seems to have been a natural transition considering his prowess for line and form. The superior quality of his work soon made him very successful and sought after for special commissions, the most prestigious of which was supplying furniture for the exiled Emperor Napoléon on St. Helena. A plaque on the desk's front reads: "This console table / was used for the toilet of / the Emperor Napoleon / in his bedroom at St. Helena during his exile / rr … (f) … Count de las Casas' plan of Longwood House" Circa 1815 Measures: 32" high x 54" wide x 19 1/2" deep Provenance: Supplied in 1815 for use on St. Helena by Napoléon in Longwood House Recorded by Comte de Montholon in the inventory taken following Napoléon's death in 1821 Sir Hudson Lowe, 1821 John Copling, 1844 Private collection, 1867 Anonymous sale, Christie's London, July 1989 Private collection, United Kingdom Anonymous sale, Christie's London, November 2003 M.S. Rau Antiques...

A Regency rosewood and gilt brass mounted book stand, attributed to Gillows, of rectangular form, the arcaded gallery raised at each end with a scrolling foliate cast handle, raised ...

There is more to this exceptional Davenport desk than meets the eye. Crafted of luxurious mahogany, this Regency-period desk is compact yet offers ample storage space. The leather-up...

A rich and interesting form generally dubbed a "Butler's Desk", this gorgeous Regency bookcase-over-chest cleverly disguises the secretary desk. Beneath a cove-molded crest are s...

A simply gorgeous presentation piece, this delicate writing desk features fine and vibrant mahogany and mahogany veneers with well preserved mellowed color and patination throughout....

This Regency period partners desk or writing table features a green leather top, four drawers on each side with original brass handles and keyhole inserts, and turned legs with brass...

A very finely crafted writing table exemplifies the “neat and tidy” approach craftsmen brought to their work in England during the period. Everything about the case is well planned o...

This outstanding English amboyna library table is an important example of the early Regency style design. The Regency era is considered by many to be the Zenith of English cabinet ma...

An unusual and most interesting games table from the first half of the 19th century, it remains austere and free of any excess in embellishment or form. Strictly reduced to the essen...

An extremely rare and important 18th century, double-sided mahogany architect's desk attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, one of the greatest furniture-making firms of the late 18th a...

An English mahogany Regency style partners writing table, the gilt-tooled brown leather top above six frieze drawers, three on each side, supported by splayed reeded legs joined by a...

Without question, there is more to this exceptional davenport desk than meets the eye. Crafted of luxurious and luminous mahogany, this Regency-period desk is compact yet offers ampl...