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Antique Desks & Writing Tables

Shop antique desks and writing tables from one of the UK's premier furniture dealers. Different styles and sizes available. There are very many …

Shop antique desks and writing tables from one of the UK's premier furniture dealers. Different styles and sizes available. There are very many styles and sizes of desks and writing tables available and we try to offer as many different options as possible to our clients including pedestal desks, partners desks, writing tables, Bonheur de Jour, (typically a “ladies writing desk”), bureau plat, secretaire desks, and many more - all available to browse and buy from this website or from our London showrooms.

When you are choosing a desk there are many things to consider such as the size and shape of the room into which it is to be placed, whether you need a lot of storage options or will a single drawer option be sufficient for your needs? Many desks, antique and contemporary, offer the comfort and convenience of having a leather writing surface and these are often embellished with tooled design work to enhance the appearance of the desk.

How much desk space do you need? If you are only going to use it occasionally then maybe it doesn’t need to be as large as you first thought. On the other hand, if it is to be your place of confinement between the hours of 9 and 5, or even longer, then perhaps a bit more space would be a good thing and make the working day more pleasurable.

Also give thought to what actually needs to be on your desk. Nowadays it is usually necessary to accommodate a laptop or desktop computer and probably a large screen, not to mention a printer. All of these items take space and it is a certainty that, in the case of an antique desk, there are not going to be any convenient cable management facilities to help keep the operation tidy.

Consider a Partners Desk for All Round Visibility

If you want a desk that can be placed anywhere in a room and not necessarily against a wall, then a partners desk could be right for you as these are finished on both sides, whereas for more occasional use, a more straightforward writing table may well be sufficient. There are usually several antique partners desks to be seen and tried at our showroom and we also have a range of vintage and contemporary partners desks as well.

Not All Great Desks Are Antique Desks

We do have a wide range of antique desks and antique writing tables plus several vintage examples as well. However, an antique desk, with its higher cost, is not always viable for all customers and to give those customers another option we offer our beautiful range of contemporary period style desks made by craftsmen from the finest of materials using traditional techniques.

A Fine Antique Desk Needs A Fine Desk Chair

It’s a fact that you won’t get the best from a desk if you cannot sit comfortably at it and work, often for quite a long period. Don’t make the mistake of finding a superb desk and then spoiling the experience with a chair that isn’t really designed for the job. There’s a great range of antique desk chairs and contemporary desk chairs - including the ever popular “Captains Chair” - and other antique chairs elsewhere on our website to complete the set.

Come and See For Yourself - Antique Desks are Best Seen in Person

We know that not everyone will be able to visit our showrooms, which are located in London, UK, in order to buy the desk of their dreams - but we do encourage you to do so if you can. There you will be able to inspect all of our stock of antique desks, desk chairs, bureaux, and writing tables at your leisure with the added bonus of being able to actually sit at the desk and try it out. Our experts will be on hand to answer your questions and provide additional information if required.

If you are not a UK resident, never fear. Worldwide packing and expert shipping are available, so if you see something you like just contact us for a shipping quote to your part of the world. UK mainland shipping is free of charge. Please take a close look at the photo gallery included with every product listing to satisfy yourself that the desk you are interested in is exactly what you are looking for. Also take note of the dimensions that are supplied with all products in both centimetres and inches.

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Ref: 08143x
Antique Victorian Amboyna Inlaid Bonheur Du Jour C1860 19th C

Antique Victorian Amboyna Inlaid Bonheur Du Jour C1860 19th C

This is a gorgeous Victorian Grand Tour amboyna, ebonised and ormolu mounted Bonheur Du Jour or Ladies Writing Desk, circa 1860 in date. This superb cabinet would have been used to display and highlight items purchased on the Grand Tour, a  traditional trip of Europe undertaken by mainly upper-class European young men of means.  Surmounted by decorative pierced brass galleries, it is made from amboyna and rare thuya wood, the whole decorated throughout with hand painted Sevres porcelain plaques depicting Madam Dubarry and Madam De Montesson, and floral sprays, with exquisite ormolu mounts and king wood crossbanding , it is an example of superb quality and design.  This desk has a large central  drawer which is also has a pull out slide  that is fitted with an inset gold tooled burgundy leather writing surface. It is flanked by two further drawers,  over a mirror backed two shelf undertier and raised on elegant turned feet. The gorgeous grain and colour  of the amboyna and the thuya,  the multitude of hand painted Sevres porcelain plaques ensures that this cabinet will get noticed wherever it is placed.  The interior of the central drawer bears  an enamel plaque inscribed   “Manufactured by Druce & Co, 68,69 & 58 Baker Street,  Portman Square" Druce & Co were a London based cabinet makers and sellers of high quality furniture in Baker Street. They were established in the 1840s and in the Marylebone Trade Directory of 1853 listed themselves as ‘Furnishers, Upholsterers and Upholders for clients of discernment’ An almost identical piece is illustrated in 19th Century European Furniture by Christopher Payne, page 313   Condition: In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.  

Dimensions in cm:

Height 145 x Width 132 x Depth 53

Height 64 - Kneehole

Dimensions in inches:

Height 4 foot, 9 inches x Width 4 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot, 9 inches

Height 2 feet, 1 inch - Kneehole

£6,750.00
Ref: 07981X
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat

Antique French Ormolu Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat c.1860

This is a very fine French antique ormolu mounted bureau plat which features fine quality floral marquetry and which dates from around 1860. This beautiful piece of furniture has been made with artistic marquetry requiring the highest level of  craftsmanship. The top of this antique ormolu mounted bureau plat features very intricate floral marquetry decoration. Using a number of different and exotic veneers which include kingw ood, satin wood, burr walnut, and purple heart, the level of detail present here can only be described as extraordinary. The central panel is worthy of particular attention, it being inlaid with a representation of an urn on a flower filled satin wood background together with a decorative border of foliage which has been rendered in burr walnut. The top is completed with a highly decorative ormolu border which adds an additional level of elegance to this antique bureau plat, the frieze is inset with a border of green mica crystal and it also contains a useful drawer, The desk is raised on ormolu mounted and turned reeded tapering legs which are joined by X-stretcher and are fitted with a striking central gilded turned finial. Condition: In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.    

Dimensions in cm:

Height 76 x Width 129 x Depth 77

Height 54 - Kneehole

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 4 foot, 3 inches x Depth 2 foot, 6 inches

Height 1 foot, 9 inches - Kneehole

£4,750.00
Ref: A4752
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlaid Pop Up Davenport Desk 19th C

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlaid Pop Up Davenport Desk 19th C

This is a gorgeous and rare antique Victorian piano front burr walnut and marquetry inlaid  Davenport Desk, Circa 1870 in date. It is crafted from fabulous burr walnut and the hinged pull out writing slope features an inset gilt tooled green leather writing surface  and pen tray.   It has been wonderfully  made by a master craftsman, the quality of the work is breathtaking, and the burr walnut and boxwood inlaid decoration is of the highest quality. It is finished on all sides so that it can stand freely in the middle of a room, making it extremely versatile.   The Davenport has a door on one side that opens to reveal four satin wood drawers. They are perfectly sized for all the stationary you could possibly need, and ther are dummy drawers on the other side, making it not just a symbol of refinement but a practical furnishing as well.   The main talking point when showing it to friends is the  secret compartment at the rear on top  for letters, stamps, etc,. It rises up by itself when a hidden catch is pressed by an ingenious system of pulleys and a hidden weight.   It stands on its original brass and porcelain castors.   It is an absolutely beautiful and perfectly formed piece of furniture which could be placed almost anywhere.   Complete with working locks and key. Condition:   In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed, in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.    

Dimensions in cm:

Height 90 x Width 57 x Depth 56

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches

£3,200.00
Ref: A4755
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport Desk C1860 19th C

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport Desk C1860 19th C

This is a gorgeous antique Victorian piano front Davenport Desk, Circa 1860 in date. It is crafted from fabulous burr walnut and the hinged pull out writing slope features an inset gilt tooled green leather writing surface, space for ink bottles and the pen tray.   It has been wonderfully  made by a master craftsman, the quality of the work is breathtaking, and the burr walnut is of the highest quality. It is finished on all sides so that it can stand freely in the middle of a room, making it extremely versatile.   The Davenport has four drawers on one side, perfectly sized for all the stationary you could possibly need, and dummy drawers on the other, making it not just a symbol of refinement but a practical furnishing as well.   The main talking point when showing it to friends is the  secret compartment at the rear on top  for stationary, letters, stamps, etc,. It rises up by itself when a hidden catch is pressed by an ingenious system of pulleys and a hidden weight.   It stands on its original bun feet fitted with recessed brass and porcelain castors.   It is an absolutely beautiful and perfectly formed piece of furniture which could be placed almost anywhere.   Complete with working locks and key. Condition:   In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed, in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.    

Dimensions in cm:

Height 92 x Width 57 x Depth 60

Dimensions in inches:

Height 3 foot x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 2 feet

£3,200.00
Ref: A3643a
Antique Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Architects Desk by Edwards & Roberts 19th C

Antique Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Architects Desk by Edwards & Roberts 19th C

This is a superb antique Victorian mahogany satinwood and Goncalo Alves marquetry inlaid and satin wood crossbanded Architects desk by the renowned Victorian retailer and cabinet makers Edwards & Roberts, circa 1880 in date.   The desk features a hinged crossbanded lift-up architect's top with ratchet adjustment above three short frieze drawers. The centre drawer is fitted with the original inset gold tooled black leather writing slope, and it is stamped EDWARDS & ROBERTS.   The drawers above a recess with a pair of doors with artist trophy inlaid oval marquetry reserves enclosing deep shelves and flanked by doors with urns inlay enclosing folio compartments.  The desk is raised on a substantial breakfront plinth base.   Instill the elegance of a bygone era to a special place in your home with this fabulous antique  desk.   Complete with working locks and original keys and brass handles.     This desk will soon become the centrepiece of your furniture collection, there is no mistaking the sophisticated quality and design and it is certain to enhance the style and elegance of any living area, bedroom, or reception.     Condition:   In really excellent condition having only been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 82 x Width 122 x Depth 76

Height 69 x Width 75 x Depth 13 - Knee Hole

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 8 inches x Width 4 foot x Depth 2 foot, 6 inches

Height 2 foot, 3 inches x Width 2 foot, 5 inches x Depth 5 inches - Knee Hole

£6,250.00

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