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Lot Essay
This desk is designed in the Romantic Gothic revival style of the mid-19th century as promoted by the architect A. W. N. Pugin (1812-1852) and publications such as his Gothic Furniture of the 15th Century, 1837 and Floriated Ornament, 1849. This rich Gothic style was adopted by Pugin and his accomplice, Charles Barry in the designs for the New Palace of Westminster and a Librarian's desk is illustrated in Furniture in the House of Lords, London, 1974, plate VII. Several leading firms of cabinet-makers secured commissions to supply furniture including Gillows of Lancaster and Holland & Sons.
A more elaborate version of this form of oak pedestal desk, with rose-flowered uprights and linen-fold carved side panels, was in the collection of Christopher Gibbs, Esq. and sold by him from his home: The Manor House, Clifton Hampden, Christie's house sale, 25-26 September 2000, lot 73 (£18,800). A brass-mounted oak pedestal desk with panelled sides and superstructure was sold anonymously, Sotheby's, New York, 18 October 1997, lot 475 ($31,050) and a comparable oak pedestal desk was sold anonymously, from a 'Mas near St Tropez', Christie's, London, 14 September 2006, lot 33.
A more elaborate version of this form of oak pedestal desk, with rose-flowered uprights and linen-fold carved side panels, was in the collection of Christopher Gibbs, Esq. and sold by him from his home: The Manor House, Clifton Hampden, Christie's house sale, 25-26 September 2000, lot 73 (£18,800). A brass-mounted oak pedestal desk with panelled sides and superstructure was sold anonymously, Sotheby's, New York, 18 October 1997, lot 475 ($31,050) and a comparable oak pedestal desk was sold anonymously, from a 'Mas near St Tropez', Christie's, London, 14 September 2006, lot 33.