Object Description
An unusual late 18th century Sheraton period mahogany and satinwood lady’s writing table, having a tambour top enclosing six small drawers and green leather writing surface. The table is boxwood and ebony strung throughout retaining original silver plate handles. The lower section having brass grille panels with concave front, supported on square tapering legs ending on original leather castors.
Thomas Chippendale and his contemporaries were making writing/supper tables during the early period of George III’s reign, so to find a tambour writing desk with a concave cupboard below is extremely rare. Usually these cupboard doors were made of pierced fret-work or commonly with wire-work. This is because the tables were believed to have been used for the storage of food and drink and were found in bedrooms, so if the owner wishes to partake of a light supper at the time of their choosing without the need of servants in attendance. The cupboard protected the food from family pets and the pierced wire was ideal for ventalation.