Object Description
This rare antique mahogany desk was made by the famous furniture manufacturer Gillow’s of Lancaster and is stamped to the middle drawer.
At the time of manufacturing Gillow’s were often advised by their clients which features they required when ordering furniture.
This particular desk as an unusual combination of features, featuring a raised back with nine pigeon holes and a writing surface that can be raised as a reading slope or for document viewing etc.
The writing surface / slope had an old dark pink leather with gilt and blind tooling. It is raised by means of a bracket frame which folds down inside the desk top.
The front of the wiring surface has a removable ledge or book support for using with the slop.
The desk has nine oak lined, cock-beaded, drawers ; three across the top and three down each pedestal. Within the kneehole there is a small cupboard.
The drawers have brass locks and are fitted with the original ornate cast brass handles, which retain some of their original gilding. The handles are in the ‘Chippendale’ style and are of superb quality.
The desk stands on the original bracket feet and has oak panelling to the back. It has recently been cleaned and polished and has an excellent patina.
Dimensions:
Width: 45.5 inches – 116cm
Depth: 26.5 inches – 67cm
Height to the top of the back: 40 inches – 101cm
Height to the writing surface: 32.5 inches – 82cm
Hight of kneehole: 27 inches – 69cm
Width of kneehole: 17 inches – 43cm
* One of the top drawers has an in stamp “Crown Offices, Temple EC4” which indicates it was possibly used in the offices of the Solicitor General in London