Exceptional Georgian kingwood writing desk

Georgian kingwood writing desk, the top with gilt brass pierced gallery over a cross-banded and gilt-tooled scarlet leather fall. This opens to an interior with three faux drawers, each with turned bone knobs. To the right side is a drawer for writing and drawing instruments and inkwells. The base of the desk has fine, cast gilt, brass fluted banding. The trestle bases have cast brass stylised lotus flower brackets to the supports. Cast brass Corinthian pillar head and gadrooned ornamentation to the high, turned stretcher that terminates with stylised round flower head paterae to the trestle ends. The plinths are brass banded and parcel gilt with feet of reverse acroter form that conceal brass castors.

Neo-classical, of the English ‘Empire’ style. In the manner of Thomas Hope (1769-1831) and attributed to the cabinet maker George Oakley (1773 – 1840). For a table of similar design and detail, see Christie’s sale – ‘Dealing in Excellence: A Celebration of Hotspur & Jeremy’, Lot No.41, 20th Nov. 2008.

English, circa 1800 – 1820

This object incorporates old ivory and has been registered with Defra

Height 31” (79cm) (Max.) Width 20.5” (52cm) Depth 16.5” (42cm)