MID-19TH CENTURY, RETAILED BY THOMAS WILLSON, LONDON

Thomas Willson was a well-regarded retailer who traded from 68 Queen Street between 1821 and 1829. After his death the business was continued by his wife under the name Mary Willson & Son and then later by his son, Mathew Willson, until 1854. Between 1855 and 1890 another Thomas Willson began trading from 68 Great Queen Street. Since this stamped desk was not made prior to 1830, it must have been traded between 1855 and 1890 by the later second-hand dealer Thomas Willson. It was around this time that buyers with a discerning eye were beginning to show interest in older furniture (G. Wills, 'Thomas Willson', Furniture History, Vol. X, London, 1974).