Gothic Revival Writing Desk

An ebonised and parcel gilt Gothic Revival writing table. The rectangular top having canted corners and a foliate holly inlaid border surrounding the original chestnut brown Morocco tooled leather lining, the outer ogee edge in moulded brass. Below, the two slim frieze drawers each with small button handles and their original undisturbed brass locks, sit above an extraordinary ‘flying buttress’ framework supported on a cross frame base, each element having chamfered edges highlighted in worn gold leaf.

This table shows the method of architectural construction typical of the Gothic Revival, most popularly favoured by Pugin during the second half of the 19th century, influenced by church woodwork and medieval buildings.

This table is reputedly by George Edmund Street and although surprisingly no stamp is present, it was quite likely made by Strahan of Dublin as part of the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, during the 1870’s and remarkably it is found here in the most perfectly worn original condition.