The History Of The English Desk

Desks first appear in the late 17th century (1600's) as bureaus, i.e. a sloping front desk in which the writing surface can be opened and closed. They were an adaptation of the chest of drawers onto which the writing slope was fitted.

The bureau has subsequently become a very popular form and was made in great numbers during the 18th century.

They were closely followed in the Queen Anne (1702 – 1714) period by the kneehole-writing table. This was a small desk with drawers either side of a kneehole, which was often fitted with a central cupboard. These were either veneered in walnut or provincially constructed of oak.

It is not until the 1750’s that we start to see the pedestal desk that has become so popular today.

At this time the Caribbean islands made available mahogany, a wood which is richly figured and when polished and becomes a deep reddish brown colour.

This wood was a luxury item and popularised by designers, such as Thomas Chippendale, who were working for wealthy patrons. Consequently most desks, which survive from the mid 18th century, were made for the country house library. They are often large, ornate, with carved embellishments, and command substantial prices due to their rarity.

The advent of the UK Industrial Revolution, in the later part of the 18th and early 19th century, lead to the rise of a business class. This entrepreneurial group grew rapidly during this period and during the whole of the 19th century. They followed the fashions of the day and had a practical use for desks of all sizes within the workplace and at home.

Although desks from the late 18th and early 19th century are not common they are available. They are generally made of mahogany or using mahogany veneers.

It is when we reach the second quarter of the 19th century that we begin to find the majority of antique desks and writing tables that are available in the market today. They were made in a variety of styles and sizes throughout the 19th century.

19th Century Desks Styles.

Partner’s desks and writing tables have drawers or drawers and cupboards to both long sides and are generally of large size. They were developed to aid communication between partners in a business and to show equality of status.

Pedestal desks have generally a 9 drawer configuration to the front of the desk only. Look for those, which are finished all the way round so that they can be freestanding. Most desks were made in 3 sections, 2 pedestals and a top, with castors hidden beneath the plinth. This makes them easy to move and gives access to awkward places. During the period 1830/70 they often had rounded edges and moulding's to the drawer fronts. The handles were generally turned wooden knob pulls.

As the century progressed oak once more came back into fashion and the edges of the pedestals and top were at right angles and drawer fronts were mainly plain. During this period,1870 - 1910, desks were produced in large numbers and of varying quality.

Brass and pressed metal handles were more often used than turned wooden knobs. The roll top or Wells Fargo desk became popular particularly in the work place.