Dimensions
43 inches high, 33.25 inches wide and 26 inches deep.
32 inches to writing surface, 20.5 inches from floor to bottom edge of the drawer (knee space).
Usable height of long drawer is 3 inches.
Full Description
An extremely unusual and finest quality solid Cuban mahogany architects desk made by hand in around 1830 with numerous neoclassical carved motifs in the manner of Robert Adams.
The fretwork carved gallery with its wonderfully sinuous foliate S scrolls and superbly carved scallop shell to centre, the fine flower and ribbons swags and tails hand carved to the drawer front and the flower and foliate carved borders to the top and waist moulding are all superbly executed. The feet with original wrapped and carved covers – these are carved in the solid and are of foliage and acanthus and beautifully detailed.
The whole with a fabulous colour and natural deep and rich patina. The Cuban mahogany brightly grained as though laced with gold threads and with wonderful chatoyance. The desk lid rises to reveal a fully fitted interior of six small drawers and pigeon holes, each drawer oak lined and retaining its original small handle. The main drawer mahogany lined and with replaced lock and working key. The upper lock is missing its snib but we can replace this and organise a key at a small cost if required.
This superb desk was made bespoke and is of Gillows quality and was certainly made by a top cabinet maker in the early 19th century. With minor scuffs and marks and some old woodworm holes to the back legs (very few, long since dead, and just from where the desk has sat for a very long time against a wall or skirting board). All is in remarkably good and original condition and the desk is very heavy and sturdy.
A usable desk of striking design and colour, beautiful quality and a remarkable piece of late Georgian bespoke furniture.
