Antique Georgian Mahogany Library or Writing Table / Desk

Antique Georgian Mahogany Library or Writing Table / Desk

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Object Description

This antique Georgian mahogany library or writing table is stamp marked to the middle drawer: M. Wilson 68 Queen St.*

It is a very well proportioned desk made from the best quality figured mahogany timbers and has recently been professionally restored.

The top has replacement black hide writing leather surface with with gilt and blind tooling and is surrounded by a band of well figured mahogany with a thumb moulded edge.

The quality of the timbers used, the aged patina of the table and the unusual coral writing surface make this a very handsome and desirable library or writing table.

The frieze is fitted with 3 drawers to the front and corresponding panelling to the reverse.

The drawers have hand cut dovetail joints, ogee molded fronts, brass locks with key and turned mahogany knobs.

The table stands on 4 well turned legs with the original brass castors.

It is in excellent condition with only the minor marks and bumps commensurate with the age of the table and would make a lovely desk for any office or home study.

Dimensions:
Width: 60 inches – 153cm.
Depth: 30 inches – 76cm .
Height to top: 31 inches – 79cm.
Height to kneehole: 24.5 inches 62cm.

Object Literature

*T and M. Willson
Thomas Willson is entered in directories as a furniture broker and appraiser of 68 Great Queen Street, between 1821 and 1829. Mary Willson and son continued the business from 1830 – 1837 and after 1838 Matthew Willson ran a furniture warehouse, furniture works and upholstery business at the same address.

The firm was established in 1818 and contrary to popular belief, they were cabinet makers as well as a furniture brokers: ‘THOMAS WILLSON, Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer, & Co. 68 GREAT QUEEN STREET, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. Every article of furniture for the Drawing, Dining, Bed Room and Library of first-class make. Established 1818.

This important fresh evidence suggests that the firm’s name-stamped furniture can be divided into second hand pieces, which were merely retailed and items made in their own workshop for sale. There is no doubt that both of these desks were made in the same workshop in the same period.

From the ‘Pictorial Dictionary of MARKED LONDON FURNITURE 1700 – 1840’ By Christopher Gilbert. Published by The Furniture History Society and W. S. Many & Son Ltd. 1996.