Cedar Twin Pedestal Lady’s Writing Desk c1870

This elegant and beautifully constructed double pedestal, knee-hole writing desk is an exceptionally fine colonial example of what is sometimes referred to as a “Charles Dickens” desk. The desk is small and beautifully proportioned; and in exceptional condition. It is a highly functional and attractive piece of furniture: a rare find.

The twin pedestals are supported on concealed iron casters with wooden wheels. The pedestals are fully dovetailed top and bottom. The banks of drawers on each side of the top have a locking system that is very rare for such a writing desk. It adopts the Wellington chest system, where a single key locks a hinged wooden bar over one side of each set of drawers.

The desk has three useable surfaces, the centre one being raised and sloped, with space for writing materials underneath. Each of the surfaces has its original leatherette inset. The desk has its original finish and patination. The main colour is orange/red, with brilliant splashes of yellow (aged sapwood) on the panels within the kneeholes.

The original inspiration for the design of the desk appears to be the (much more decorated and complex) “Writing Table” illustrated in Plate XLI of Blackie and Son’s The Victorian Cabinet-Maker’s Assistant (1853), written by Peter Thomson (see below). Simpler designs, obviously based on the Thomson original, are by Booth (1864); Wyman (1877); and Light (1881). Light’s is the closest design to the present desk.

Reference: Edward Joyce, Pictorial History of British Nineteenth Century Furniture Design (1977), p 353).

Measurements: H: 41” x W:  46” x D: 24”

POA