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A Potted History of Writing Furniture continued.....
Large varieties of shapes and styles were introduced - serpentine sides, oval tops, bow-fronts with inlays and carvings etc. These were the forerunners of many of today's pedestal and knee-hole writing desks. One of the more unusual examples was the 'Register Desk', which has a sloping writing surface in the centre above a fitted well with a small bank of draws on each side. The flush and sometimes 'Double Carcass Secretaire' became popular with the military where space was at a premium and furniture was shipped off around the world. Another was the 'Wooton Desk' which opens to reveal many interior drawers and a fold down writing surface.
There are a variety of other types of writing furniture whose designs resulted from the specific requirements of their users. Some origins have been lost in the mists of time, whilst others are still known. One, for instance, is the 'Davenport' - a very small and narrow slope-topped bureau. It is believed to have been made originally for the sea-going Captain Davenport by Gillows of Lancaster with its small size particularly suited to the confined spaces aboard ship. Another is the 'Carlton-House' desk where the writing surface is surrounded by a decorative bank of shaped drawers. The first known type is supposed to have been originally in the Prince Regent's bedroom at Carlton House.
The styles of desks and other writing furniture have changed over the years especially with the Victorians and their descendants. However, the value still lies for current users in the knowledge that the designs, materials and workmanship of yesteryear are unparalleled today.
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