From time to time, a really exceptional piece of furniture comes into the showroom, and this early Georgian kneehole desk is one of them. Dating from about 1750, it is typical of early Georgian furniture from this period; the quality of the mahogany is wonderful, the matched drawer fronts and figured top having faded to a lovely waxy patina.
It has a reading, or brushing, slide above the drawers, and the top drawer is fitted with fine oak partitions. Both, signs of quality, indicate that it may have had dual purpose as a gentleman’s dressing chest.
The handles, all original, are made of finely fretted brass and bring a restrained decorative element. The canted corners are elegantly fluted, and the bracket feet are shaped, typical of the George II period. The shaped frieze below the top drawer opens to reveal a hidden drawer.
The antique desk is unusually small in size and therefore ideal for those who are short of space. Of simple, well balanced design, the quality of workmanship and fine, original condition make it an excellent example of that unpretentious beauty which is so English.
