British Desks and Writing Tables
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Place of Origin: British
Antique Victorian Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique Victorian leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period.
It is very well made and is a lovely size. It sits ...
Category
1860s High Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
English Georgian Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian style (19th Century) mahogany kneehole desk with bronze ram heads & trim and leather top with carved edge.
Category
19th Century Georgian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
George III Mahogany Architect’s Desk attr. Gillows of Lancaster circa 1790
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GEORGE III MAHOGANY ARCHITECT'S DESK IN MANNER OF GILLOWS OF LANCASTER
England, circa 1790 with alphabetized rent drawers interior unmarked
Item # 405KYH28Z
This remarkable architect's pedestal desk was almost certainly crafted by Gillows of Lancaster, London circa 1790. It features a rectangular top inlaid with maroon gilt-tooled leather bordered by a molded edge. Below this is situated a full-width frieze drawer which is decorated to appear as two false drawers over pedestals containing three graduated drawers on either side of an open kneehole. The desk stands on a molded plinth base fitted with casters.
The top drawer reveals a sliding gilt-tooled leather writing surface with a central panel that can be lifted on ratchet supports to hold and display documents. This surface slides back to uncover a lower compartment with an open storage area, flanked by three lidded compartments labeled alphabetically within oval reserves. The back of the desk is designed for a tidy appearance, making it suitable for placement in the center of a room, featuring two full-width faux drawers above faux cabinet doors in the pedestals.
While the present example is not marked by Gillows, it is almost without question a product of their workshops and is firmly attributed to their design books. The alphabet inlaid drawers were inspired by designs popularized by Thomas Shearer’s The Cabinet Maker’s London Book of Prices (1788-1803). These were employed in designs published by Gillows, such as the 'bureau writing-table' with a double-ratcheted top made for the Earl of Shrewsbury in 1789 and a writing-table from 1794 (see Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, L. Boynton, ed., 1995, pl. 24 and 41). A similar design appears in the firm’s 1798 Estimate Sketch Book (p.1481), preserved in the Westminster City Library. The drawer design is further seen on pedestal desks stamped by Gillows, including the library table provided by the firm in 1778 to Denton Hall (see C. Gilbert, The Life and Works of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol.II, p.246, pl.449).
Gillows produced many variations of this desk style, including those with ratcheting tops for standing use, enclosed kneehole designs, various types of pulls, and subtle dimensional adjustments. Examples can be seen well into the George IV period and the influence of this form on later desks by Gillows can be seen as the tastes changed into the second half of the nineteenth century.
Sir Walter Scott acquired a similar desk from Gillows for his Edinburgh house in Castle Street in 1810, later moving it to his study at Abbotsford in 1826. In a letter to J.B. Morritt of Rokeby Hall, Yorkshire, dated May 1810, Scott wrote: ‘You know I fell in love with your Library table and now the The Lady [The Lady of the Lake] has put crowns into my purse I would willingly treat myself unto the like...’ On 9 August, Scott wrote again to Morritt: 'I must not omit to tell you that Gillows table has arrived and gives great satisfaction. Everyone that sees it likes it so much I dare say I shall have some commissions to send him. His bill did not much exceed yours being about £30 ready money’. The Gillow archives from 1810 record: ‘pack for W.Scott Esq., Castle Street, Edinburgh, case containing mahogany bureau writing table Double Elevating tops cupboard in center complete writing drawers’. (See C. Wainwright, The Romantic Interior, Fig 162 & 163).
A few open-market examples of nearly identical desks...
Category
18th Century George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Fine Tall Inlaid Dark Mahogany English Carlton House Two-Piece Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very rare form of desk. The desk is inlaid in the Carlton House tradition and features stained veneers and a dark mahogany backdrop with a mirrored back behind spindles. th...
Category
Early 1900s Adam Style Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Painted Oak Bureau Bible Box on Stand
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A wonderful characterful late 18th century portable painted carved oak bureau or bible box on a stand. There is carved detail throughout, in a mainly fl...
Category
18th Century Georgian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
George III Mahogany Partners Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
George III mahogany partners writing table, circa late 18th century. With an inset tooled leather top, mahogany border and molded front, back and side edges, 3 frieze drawers on each...
Category
Late 18th Century George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany Writing Table, Early 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite writing desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design prevalent in England during the early 19th century. A luxurious leather-covered top pr...
Category
19th Century Regency Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Regency Period Rosewood Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A fine early 19th century Regency period rosewood writing table, having rectangular bow end tooled leather top, above beaded frieze with 2 real & 2 dummy drawers raised on end-suppor...
Category
Early 19th Century Regency Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Early 19th Century George the III Satinwood Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
This Early 19th Century George III satinwood desk exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of the period with its neoclassical design. The piece features intricate inlay work, curv...
Category
Early 19th Century George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Satinwood
Large and Impressive Early 20th Century Mahogany Desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A large and impressive early 20th century mahogany desk, the moulded edge top having a green leather writing surface divided into three shaped sections, the front of the desk having ...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Sycamore Partners Desk
Located in Altrincham, GB
A fabulous Victorian partners desk in beautiful mellow sycamore - double pedestal with front drawers and cupboard rear with tooled leather insert top c1860 - 66"ww x 36"d x 32"h (25...
Category
1870s Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Sycamore
19th Century English Writing Reading Table
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Mid 19th Century writing table in flame cut walnut with leather writing pad top
and a built in adjustable slope.
Circa 1860 this represents one of the finest examples of cabinet work...
Category
Mid-19th Century Early Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Small Oak Bureau
Located in Folkestone, GB
A rare 18th century oak bureau of particularly small and diminutive proportions. the fall with a moulded book-rest, opening to reveal a steppe...
Category
Early 18th Century George II Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
William IV Octagonal Rent / Drum Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
In a departure from the circular norm, this octagonal table has a rotating top with four functioning drawers and four dummy drawers, each with wood pulls. The three splay legs to the...
Category
19th Century William IV Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Travel Lap Desk Walnut 19th C. on Stand as Side Table Decorative Gift Antique LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Travel Lap Desk Walnut 19th C. on Stand as Side Table Decorative Gift Antique LA . Exquisite English lap traveling desk portable. Countryside writing bureau in good condition conside...
Category
19th Century Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany Sheraton Bowfront Server
Located in Wilson, NC
The drawers of this server have cockbeaded edges. The center drawer has an arched apron below. The top has a carved tripled reeded edge on the front and sides.
Category
Early 1800s Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Quality Antique Victorian Rosewood Freestanding Davenport
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian rosewood freestanding davenport having the original brass gallery to the top with lift up serpentine shaped lid and crossbanded...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
Free Standing Mahogany English Regency Tambour Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant 19th century freestanding mahogany roll top writing desk.
Tambour top rolls back to reveal a fitted interior with drawers, pigeon holes and a slant lid leather writing su...
Category
Early 19th Century Regency Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Pine Child's Desk
Located in Wilson, NC
This desk has double exposed peg construction. Two drawers have recessed panels framed by carved moldings. The sides have deep recessed panels. The top has a shrinkage crack at the b...
Category
1860s Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
18th c. English Architect's Desk/Library Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English George III country house mahogany architect's desk/library table having richly grained single board top with molded edge over single wide drawer with pull out and d...
Category
1760s Georgian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Walnut and burr leather top pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Walnut 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 le...
Category
Late 20th Century Georgian British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
1790 Gillows Cuban Hardwood Library Secretaire Desk Writing Table I Bramah Lock
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1790 George III Library writing desk secrataire by Gillows of Lancaster and London
A rare find, looking through Gillows of ...
Category
Late 18th Century George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Robert Gillows II 1790 Writing Library Hardwood Chest of Drawers Leather Slope
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Waring & Gillow
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1790 Georgian writing Library chest of drawers with desk secretaire by Gillows of Lancaster and L...
Category
1790s Georgian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Original circa 1900 Graves & Sons Naval Military Campaign Parter Desk Map Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very rare original Graves & Son’s stamped Naval Military Campaign officers desk
Graves and Sons were listed at Fore Stree...
Category
Early 1900s Campaign Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good quality George III period mahogany kneehole desk with moulded edge top above a long drawer and arrangement of three graduated small drawe...
Category
Late 18th Century Georgian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century English Victorian Oak Writing Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a Victorian oak desk, the top inset with a green leather writing surface decorated with blind and gold tooling. Below this there is an arrangement of 9 drawers, with 9 du...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Samantha Todhunter Design Matilda Leather Sawhorse Campaign Desk
By Samantha Todhunter
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic campaign style sawhorse desk or work table designed by Samantha Todhunter London, England. The bespoke Matilda desk was custom ordered for a hi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Campaign British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Regency Lacquered Chinoiserie Partners Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency style red lacquered chinoiserie decorated knee hole partners desk with green leather 3 panel top.
Category
19th Century Chinoiserie Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Lacquer
19th Century English Mahogany Extending Folio or Architect's Table
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century English mahogany extending folio or architect's table. Great color and lines. 29.25" High when closed and extends to 50" high when fully open. In addition to vertically ...
Category
19th Century Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Edwardian English Marquetry Side Table, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
William and Mary style burl walnut table with exquisite marquetry detailing, circa 1900. The top is banded and has a beveled edge surrounding a profuse floral and bird design marque...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Boxwood, Olive, Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Marble-Top Library Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Curvaceous 19th century English Victorian library table or writing table desk. The table features a 1" inch thick slab of Carrara marble on top with a serpentine shape and an ogee ed...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Carrara Marble
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 Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Victorian Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in London, GB
A magnificent antique Victorian leather top partners desk. This dates from around the 1840-1860 period.
It is of extremely high quality, and...
Category
1840s Early Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
A George III Mahogany and Red Leather Topped Writing Table
Located in London, GB
With adjustable ratcheting writing slope, three front drawers and brass handles, on straight mahogany legs.
English, c.1760
Category
Mid-18th Century George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Chippendale Style Pedestal Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality 19th century Chippendale style pedestal desk, having a brown leather insert, above three drawers in the top. The top fits onto two pedestals, each with thr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chippendale Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
English 19th Century Pine Auctioneer’s Cash Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This is a simple English 19th century pine shop counter from an auctioneer in Alsace! Complete with a hole for accepting cash payments inside the drawer. The desk is flanked with tal...
Category
19th Century Other Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Rupert Bevan Atomic desk (in customer's own choice of leather)
By Rupert Bevan
Located in London, GB
Our contemporary desk with a top wrapped in clients’ own leather and a steel frame. This desk features a soft close drawer with a waxed walnut finish to the interior.
Upholstered in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bauhaus British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Early 19th Century, English Regency Library Table Desk with Leather Top
Located in Queens, NY
Early 19th century, English Regency brass inlaid mahogany library writing table or desk with a green leather inset top over frieze drawers on x legs joined by a turned stretcher.
Category
19th Century Regency Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
William IV Burl Elm Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Fine quality ladies writing table most likely by Gillow of Lancaster and London. With a rectangular top with rounded ends and central leather writing surface. Raised brass gallery at...
Category
1820s William IV Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Regency Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with inset tooled red leather top and cross banded edge over three drawers front and back. Raised on circular tapered legs. Casters. Sold Bonhams , London, February 1...
Category
Early 19th Century Regency Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Queen Anne Lowboy
Located in Wilson, NC
This oak and mahogany lowboy has a 1/16 inch shrinkage separation in the top. The top has an applied ogee molding and is crossbanded with 3/4 inch mahogany crossbanding. The drawer f...
Category
1740s Queen Anne Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Oak Partners Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th century oak partners desk with its original tooled red leather writing surface on top, surrounded by a cross banded border.
Three drawers in the frieze on one side, with a bank...
Category
19th Century Country Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique 18th Century Writing Table By Holland And Sons LTD ( REF AF-3500 )
Located in Ledbury, GB
This elegant 18th-century writing table, crafted from fine mahogany by the renowned "Holland & Sons LTD," exemplifies exceptional quality and timeless design. The table stands gracef...
Category
18th Century Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
English Mahogany Bow Front Inlaid Ladies Dressing Table. Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany bow front ladies dressing table with hinged top, single drawer, original brasses, satin wood inlay, compartmentalized fitted int...
Category
1790s George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Circa 1780 English George III Patinated Oak Antique Writing Table
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GEORGE III PROVINCIAL PATINATED OAK THREE-DRAWER WRITING TABLE
England, circa 1780 with scrolled cupid's bow apron
Item # 312EKH07Q
A beautifully patinated writing table from the George III period, this intelligently conceived and finely proportioned table features a rectilinear top with an integral coved-bead edge projecting over three drawers, these each hand-dovetailed with applied cockbead molding surrounding ovular bail pulls. The shaped apron features a cupid's bow in the center of all three sides and the table is raised over straight tapering legs. It is a positively glowing table...
Category
18th Century George III Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
By Howard & Sons Ltd
Located in Kinderhook, NY
English circa 1875 Aesthetic Movement writing table or desk by London cabinetmakers Howard & Sons having original green leather top; the oval form case with single drawer and origina...
Category
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Lovely Louis XV Style Kidney Shaped Writing Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sake this lovely antique walnut and gilt metal mounted kidney shaped writing table in Louis XV style, late 19th century; the top with inset gilt tooled leathe...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis XV Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A super small Victorian mahogany three piece pedestal desk, with nine drawers, original condition with green leather top, in excellent condition.
Category
19th Century Early Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Large original 20th Century Classical English Partner Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant English Partner Desk from the 20th Century – Timeless Design in Fine Mahogany
This high-quality English partner desk from the 20th century combines timeless elegance with ex...
Category
20th Century Chippendale British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Victorian Single Drawer Writing Table by Johnstone and Jeanes of London
By Johnstone, Jeanes & Co.
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Victorian Single Drawer Mahogany Small Writing Table by Renowned London Furniture Makers Johnstone and Jeanes of New Bond Street, London W...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique burr walnut leather top desk in the Queen Anne style. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is of superb quality, with beautiful and intri...
Category
1930s Queen Anne Vintage British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Bruce Talbert attr, Gillow & Co. A Gothic Revival Polychrome Painted Davenport.
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attr, made by Gillows of Lancaster. An Gothic Revival Tall Polychrome Painted Architects Davenport designed to stand at to work, with stylised floral details in reds an...
Category
Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Deep Green Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The &New Study desk is made with a deep green powder-coated steel frame and a color-matched natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selecte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scandinavian Modern British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Regency Mahogany Library Table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany library table, the large rectangular top with inset green leather writing surface. To the freezes having an arrangement of drawers with...
Category
19th Century Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Walnut Burl Lowboy
Located in Woodbury, CT
Covered in a deeply figured walnut burl, this shaped front lowboy would do equally as well as a dressing table as it would occasional table or console. With its shell carved knees on...
Category
Early 20th Century Edwardian British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Fine 18th Century ‘French Hepplewhite’ Mahogany Ladies Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century ‘French Hepplewhite’ figured mahogany ladies writing table of serpentine form, having boxwood and ebony strung tulipwood crossba...
Category
Late 18th Century Hepplewhite Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Boxwood, Ebony, Mahogany, Tulipwood
19th Century English Regency Style Writing Table Speckled by Ira Yeager
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical late 19th century English mahogany drop-leaf writing table featuring a speckled lacquer finish by artist Ira Yeager (1933-2022 American). The elegant table is crafted in th...
Category
19th Century Regency Antique British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Large Bespoke Study Desk with Four Drawers / Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large burgandy color study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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