Howard And Sons Kidney Desk

A fine quality kidney shaped writing desk by the prestigious firm of Howard and Sons of London. Of excellent construction in mahogany and tulip wood veneers onto a solid oak carcas. English made but in the French taste. The kidney shaped top inset with a sumptuous leather writing surface. With a series of 3 drawers to the freeze , each lockable with the key supplied. Fitted throughout with crisply cast ormolu mounts. Standing on elegant cabriole legs. Finished to the rear so it could be free-standing within a room if desired. Sympathetically repolished in our workshops to a very high standard. Now offered for sale in excellent condition, with a rich colour and patina.

Dimensions:

Width 123cms

Depth 61cms

Height 74.5cms

Knee hole clearance 64cms

Howard & Sons started out as a cabinetry company, operating out of workshops in the Whitechapel area. John Howard's first venture into upholstered furniture started with a workshop on Red Lion St.

The company's most famous residence was at Berners Street in London, where they would eventually occupy numbers 25, 26 and 27. Many of their pieces are therefore signed, 'Howard & Sons, Berners Street.' They became a limited company in 1899 and won their first royal warrant in 1901.

The company began gathering accolades which raised their profile and secured them private clients. They won a prize at the prestigious Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1862 for their suite of library furniture. Their success was not only at home, winning two golds and a silver at the Paris exhibition of 1900.

Their warrant allowed them to supply royal residences with upholstered furniture, alongside other grand venues such as The Savoy Hotel. They also collaborated with Gillows, who were seen as leading cabinet makers in Victorian England.

Internal Ref:

17892

Date of manufacture : 1880