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.
To
Page 1 of the Potted History of Writing Furniture
|
