This early form of bureau was known in contemporary inventories and bills as a 'Desk writing Table', several of which were supplied by Gerrit Jensen to William III and Queen Mary's various Royal palaces. They combined the standard slope-topped box or desk and a writing-table. A similar marquetry example was offered anonymously, Christie's New York, 12 April 1996, lot 77 (A. Bowett, English Furniture 1660-1714: From Charles II to Queen Anne, Woodbridge, 2002, p. 215, pl. 7:39).

Sir Patrick Hastings, K.C. (d. 1952) was Attorney-Gereral from 1924 and besides a career as a leading barrister, was the author of several plays such as The River, 1925, Escort, 1942 and The Blind Goddess, 1947.