Leather Desks and Writing Tables

Beautiful avant garde desk designed by Jacques Adnet and manufactured in his own atelier in France in the 1950s. The frame is made from solid brass and it's all wrapped in soft black...

A wonderful early 20th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk in ebonized black finish. Dating to around the 1940’s with original brass mounts and leather top. This is the epi...

Vintage Dakota Jackson post modern Art Deco style executive partners desk featuring mahogany with leather insert and stainless steel frame. A V-Shape pattern veneer top with Black Leather inset. 2 pedestal cabinets below: each with 2 standard drawers and 1 file drawer, front and back. Polished Stainless Steel drawer pulls, post, floor plates, and arced trestle supporting desktop. DJ Chelsea Black Leather, Polished Polyresin finish. Dakota Jackson (born August 24, 1949) is an American furniture designer known for his eponymous furniture brand, Dakota Jackson, Inc.,[1] his early avant-garde works involving moving parts or hidden compartments,[2][3] and his collaborations with the Steinway & Sons piano company.[1] Jackson helped establish the art furniture movement in 1970s SoHo,[4][5] later becoming a celebrity designer in the 1980s.[6][7][8] His background in the world of stage magic helped him get his first commissions and is often cited as the source of his point-of-view.[6][9] Early life Dakota Jackson was born on August 24, 1949, and grew up in the Rego Park neighborhood of Queens, New York. Stage Magic Jackson's father, Jack Malon, was a professional magician.[10] Mr. Malon learned the trade from his own father, who studied stage magic in early 20th century Poland.[1] Jackson began studying magic at a young age and sometimes performed with his father.[11] Jackson's name, in fact, grew out of a road trip to Fargo, North Dakota.[11] Throughout his adolescence and into his early 20s, Jackson immersed himself in the world of magic.[2] In 1963, Jackson began to perform in talent shows at his junior high school, William Cowper JHS 73 (which is known today as The Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School),[12] and at children's birthday parties.[13] Jackson also began to build his own props, including large boxes for sawing a woman in half and small boxes from which doves would emerge in full flight.[11] Jackson acknowledges the importance of these early experiences with magic to his later career as a furniture designer: "The demands of performance taught me how to discipline myself to achieve aesthetic ends."[1][2][14] After Jackson graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1967, he continued performing as a magician, working in art galleries, night clubs, touring in the Catskills, and giving private performances at society events.[2][13][15] When he was 17, Jackson had studied with magician Jack London to learn the dangerous bullet catch trick.[16] "What appealed to me was the notion of doing things that appeared miraculous" Jackson once recalled.[6] "I was interested in spiritualism. I was interested in things like bullet catching, things that really challenged individual sensibilities, that were frightening, on the edge."[2] He didn't find the opportunity to perform the trick publicly until a decade later at Jackson's final professional performance as a magician.[1] It was documented in Andy Warhol's Interview (magazine), in a story titled "Dakota Jackson bites the bullet."[1][16] Jackson admits that he sometimes tires of references to his magician background, although he acknowledges it as an important part of his history.[2] The Downtown Arts Scene In the late 1960s, Jackson moved into a loft on 28th Street in Chelsea.[1][17] Jackson became part of the Downtown scene, a community of "artists, dancers, performers, and musicians" who moved to the neighborhood for the cheap rent and social life.[1][8][17][18] In October 1970, Jackson performed with the Japanese group Tokyo Kid Brothers at New York's La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club (also known as Café La MaMa) in a rock musical production called "Coney Island Play" ("Konī airando purē).[19] The show explored themes of cross-cultural communication and understanding[19] and was a follow up to the group's debut performance of "The Golden Bat" at La MaMa earlier that summer.[20][21][22] Jackson played the part of a "clever conjurer."[19] Over the next few years, Jackson became interested in minimalist dance and performed in the dance companies of Laura Dean and Trisha Brown.[2][15][23] Jackson credits his exposure to minimalism and minimalist dance in particular as having had a strong influence on his approach to design; in 1989, Jackson told the Los Angeles Times: For me the essential fineness of a design is in the idea, not the object itself ... In minimalism, the object is pared down to its basic meaning by stripping away all the excrescence ... —those elements that do not contribute to the pure idea.[24] Design career In the early 1970s, as he experimented with performance and dance, Jackson began branching out as a special effects consultant to other magicians, film producers, and musicians[2][23] such as Donna Summer.[6][9] The loft also gave Jackson an opportunity to apply his creativity and building skills: "These were times when lofts were not ... luxury condominiums. These were tough, tough raw spaces ... and we artists, bohemians, creative people, we created our environment. So I had to build".[17][25] Recognizing his skills as a builder, Jackson decided to shift away from performance and become a full-time maker.[1][15][17] He began making a variety of objects, including furnishings for other artists and magic boxes with hidden compartments for art collectors and galleries.[17][24] Jackson's social connections helped spread word about his work[15] and this led to his first commissions.[1] Early Commissions Desk for John Lennon by Dakota Jackson In 1974, Jackson's career as a designer began when Yoko Ono asked him to build a desk with hidden compartments for husband John Lennon.[26] "She wanted to make a piece of furniture that would be a mystical object; that would be like a Chinese puzzle," Jackson recalled in a 1986 interview published in the Chicago Tribune.[6] The result was a small cubed-shaped writing table with rounded corners reminiscent of Art Deco era style.[15] Touching secret pressure points opened the desk's compartments.[23] This commission helped build Jackson's reputation and allowed him to merge his experience as a magician and performer with his developing interest in furniture.[27] In 1978, a bed designed for fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg garnered Jackson even more notoriety.[8][10][28] [29] Called "The Eclipse", the bed was described in The New Yorker as "large, astounding, sumptuous, with sunbursts of cherry wood and quilted ivory satin at head and foot."[10] A lighting system positioned behind the headboard switched on automatically at sunset and spread out rays of light "like an aurora borealis,"[2][17] which grew brighter and brighter until turning off at 2 am.[23][30] Commissions like these continued to come in[8] and Jackson soon became known as a designer to the rich and famous.[30] Some of his other clients from this period included songwriter Peter Allen, Saturday Night Live creator and producer Lorne Michaels, Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner, and soap opera actress Christine Jones.[8] The American Art Furniture Movement and the Industrial Style In the late 1970s, Jackson was among a small group of artists and artisans producing and exhibiting hand-made furniture in New York.[5][31] Jackson and his peers were part of the "American Art Furniture Movement," a group sometimes called the "Art et Industrie Movement,"[32] named after the leading art furniture gallery of the era,[32] Art et Industrie, founded by Rick Kaufmann in 1976.[33] In a 1984 Town & Country article titled "Art You Can Sit On," Kaufmann said he created the gallery to "serve as a locus to the public for artists and designers creating new decorative arts."[31] The works on display were "radical objects" that drew from a number of fine art traditions, including "Pop, Surrealism, Pointillism and Dada [which were] "thrown together with the severe lines of the Bauhaus and the Russian avant-garde, mixed with Mondrian's color and filtered through a video sensibility—all to create a new statement."[31] The article described Jackson as a "ten-year veteran of the genre" and pointed to the "clean forms and quiet colors" of his furniture.[4] Jackson showed a variety of industrial-looking lacquer, metal, and glass works at Art et Industrie, including his Standing Bar (also known as the Modern Bar),[33] a lacquered cabinet that Jackson designed in 1978 for his wife (then-girlfriend) RoseLee Goldberg.[13] Other works from this period include the T-Bird Desk, Self-Winding Cocktail Table, and the Saturn Stool...

This secretaire desk was designed by Jacques Adnet, and was made in Tamo Ash Wood. The style of this secretaire features sleek lines, geometric shapes and a ...

Great English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Three-drawer frame profiled on both sides, slightly protruding table top. Writing ...

This writing desk features a leather top with glass protector on an aluminum base. Single drawer with decorative acrylic handle. Can also be used as a console table. Please confirm l...

Impressive executive desk and matching credenza designed by Hans von Klier in the 1970s. A striking combination of differently textured materials in three colors makes this desk an i...

Mahogany and burr leather top pedestal desk circa 1990. Good example of a 19th century designed desk. Which is in 3 sections, being the top and 2 pedestals. Top surface with green ...

An impressive and extremely well made antique burr walnut leather top desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1900-20 period. The quality is outstanding, this has s...

A smart and extremely well made antique military campaign style pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. It is of superb quality, it is very heavy a...

Handsome copy of Winston Churchill's George III style partners desk crafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers on either side supported by square tape...

A stunning Edwardian richly patinated and beautifully figured mahogany desk in the manner of Edward and Roberts, London. This fabulous piece is of exceptional quality, stunningly ca...

Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk circa 1910. Fine quality petit sheraton revival pedestal desk, comprising of 3 sections, top surface and 2 pedestals. Shaped top ...

British Jaguar green lacquered Louis XVI style desk with original embossed leather top and two drawers. This desk sits on brass casters. Simply stunning and elegant.

A stunning antique French leather top bureau plat desk, made in France and dating from around the 1930’s. This is of outstanding quality, with beautifully cast ormolu mounts through...

A very stylish and well made vintage walnut and oak leather top desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950-60’s. It is beautifully designed and is of superb quali...

Elinor and John McGuire set for Lyda Levi: desk with bamboo director’s chair, leather bindings, brass and canvas details. San Francisco 1970s. Product details Desk dimensions: 85 W x...

A fantastic antique leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930-50’s. The quality is outstanding, it stands on boldly turned and fluted...

Great English partner desk, desk 1870, mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Three-drawer frame profiled on both sides, slightly protruding table top. Writing surface decorat...

Late 20th Century campaign style desk. Features a rectangular form with brown tooled leather top and two drawers in the frieze. Each drawer has brass lion knocker pulls. The desk is ...

An outstanding French Louis XV desk having embossed leather top and a faux front on its back so will look lovely in the center of any room. The writing desk has three spacious drawer...

A stunning antique French walnut bureau plat desk, dating from around the 1900-1910 period. It is of outstanding quality, this has fantastic gilt metal ormolu mounts all over, inclu...

Objekt: Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch (freistehend, 9 Schubladen) + Armlehnstuhl Entwurf: J. W. Müller (K.u.K. Hoftischlerei, Wien um 1905) Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: J. W. Müller ...

An exceptional French Regency Louis XVI style bureau plat desk or writing desk By Grange France, Circa Late 20th Century Solid cher...

Outstanding studded detail teak desk. An almost architectural feel to the proportions and construction. Some light marking in places as to be expected, see photos. France 1970s L...

In 1960, Jorge Zalszupin designed and manufactured this large desk as part of the Componivel Series at his own company, L’ Atelier, located in Brazil. Its outer framing runs along th...

Mid 20th Century Arthur Brett & Sons Executive Desk. A rectangular form made from mahogany with tooled leather top. Features three large dovetailed drawers within the frieze. Each dr...

An exceptional English Regency style writing desk or console table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany, with embossed leather top, and original brass hardware and ...

Provenance: Palais des Consuls de Rouen. Bibliography: For an illustration of these pieces, see: Rouen, le Palais des Consuls. Presentation booklet. 26. For an illustration of these...

A Guillerme et Chambron petite desk. Oak and leather. France, c1960s. Single drawer to the underside. A delicate design, which will fit into a smaller space. Good vintage co...

Impressive mid century modern writing desk or console table having whitewashed carved wood with lattice pattern and finished on top with leather and chrome. Chunky legs with Asian f...

Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat with fine gilt bronze mounts applied to cabriole legs by - Lysberg & Hansen – Copenhagen - 56"w x 30"h x 30"d - The Copenhagen firm ...

Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) A rare and spectacular four-drawer bureau in teak by Pierre Jeanneret for the civic buildings in Chandigarh, India, designed by Le Corbusier. A stunning...

Theodore Alexander "Chateau du Vallois" French Provincial Writing Desk. Features a serpentine form made from mahogany with tooled leather surfaces. Includes three dovetailed drawers ...

An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk By R. Soriano Spain, 20th Century Gorgeous kingwood, with ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts, and embossed blac...

Designed by noted designer Guy LeFevre who worked extensively with Maison Jansen in the 1970s, this handsome desk incorporates many of his signature details. The base and hardware ar...

Vintage French Louis XV Style Walnut Leather Top Bronze Ormolu Writing Desk. Item features a working lock and key, 3 faux drawers to rear, bronze ormolu, tooled leather top, beautifu...

An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts and embossed leather top. The desk is finished on all sides and could ...

Empire mahogany desk with tooled hunter green leather top. The desk with bronze banding and trim, bronze finely fluted corner medallions, fluted and tapering legs with bronze caps an...

Vintage French Louis XV Style Kidney Shaped Leather Top Bronze Mounted 3 Drawer Desk. Item features finished back with bronze accents, beautiful wood grain, very pretty desk. Circa L...

A top quality antique military campaign style desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is very well made, with a useful and smart design. The wood has a l...

Monumental Louis XV / Napoleon III style office desk. A serpentine form made from birdseye maple with three large dovetailed drawers in the frieze and long tapered cabriole legs. Fea...

Frits Henningsen, Danish furniture designer and cabinet maker (1889-1965). Solid Cuba mahogany writing table and chair. The writing desk displays a rectangular top with molded edge ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this Bevan Funnell Vintage Pedestal Desk With Hunter Green Leather. A stunning piece of furniture that exudes elegance and sophistication. This d...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite Waring & Gillow Paris writing table with the original hand dyed brown leather top ...

Minister's desk, Regence style, late 19th century or early 20th century. Large Minister's desk with gilt bronze and gold embossed leather decoration, Regency style, late 19th centur...

Hombre desk with trolley by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal from the 1970s. High-quality solid frame and veneered table top in black stained ash with a leather writing surface, a com...

An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk France, Circa 1940s Gorgeous kingwood, with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts, and embossed green leather t...

An English Campaign style Midcentury desk with faux bamboo double X-Form base and leather top. This English Campaign style midcentury desk exudes an air of distinguished charm and fu...

An absolutely magnificent Art Deco burr walnut leather top partners desk. This was made in England, it dates from the 1920-30’s. The quality is outstanding, this has an extremely im...

We are delighted to offer for sale this Huge Partners Desk With Navy Blue Desk. An antique huge distressed partners desk with a navy blue leather top...

John Van Koert Walnut Leather Top Desk for Drexel, c.1965. This piece has been professionally restored.

Super chic designer desk by Sally Sirkin for J. Robert Scott, know as the Paris desk. There are ribbed and tapered legs and a black and ivory enamel finish. The corner, knobs and k...

Chi Wing Lo for Giorgetti "Epi" desk and "Aro" office chair made from high-quality materials. The "Epi" desk embodies the epitome of refined luxury, made of rich cherry wood and ador...

French Louis XVI style desk/bureau plat with embossed green leather top, brass trim, five drawers, unique brass frame top and fluted legs. 2 leather top slide out writing surfaces. F...

A top quality antique yew wood military campaign style pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. It is very well made, with a useful and smart design...

A superb antique Georgian style burr elm writing bureau. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. The quality is outstanding, this is a great size with lots of wor...

3-drawer desk with leather and wood top and chromed metal legs designed by Hans Von Klier in the 70s. Wear due to age and time of the desk.