Carlton House desk
attributed to Edwards and Roberts
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1890 - 1900
Materials
Mahogany, calamander, bone, holly, oak, brass, leather
Measurements
104 x 137 x 79 cm
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1254511
Summary
A marquetry inlaid mahogany and calamander cross banded Carlton House desk, attributed to Edwards & Roberts, London circa 1890. The superstructure with a central cupboard door flanked by drawers below pigeon holes and a further pair of concave cupboard doors. The top has a bone inlaid letter slot above each of these. The down swept side panels fitted with single drawers and the writing slide has a leather lined adjustable slope. With drawers to the frieze and raised on square section tapered legs and spade feet. The whole inlaid with floral sprays, garlands and swags and musical themes.
Full description
The desk is very similar to examples produced by the firm of Edwards & Roberts who were cabinet makers during the second half of the nineteenth century. Founded in 1845 trading as Edwards and Roberts, 21 Wardour Street 'Antique and Modern Cabinet Makers and Importers of Ancient Furniture’. The company became one of the leading London firms producing high quality furniture, and good copies of 18th and 19th century English and French furniture. Although it does not bear their stamp, this desk is typical of the quality and designs that the firm were producing during this period. The Carlton House Desk probably originated from a desk made in the 18th century for the Prince of Wales by the Royal cabinetmaker, John Kerr for the Prince's London residence, Carlton House. A very similar desk designed by George Hepplewhite featured in 'The Cabinetmakers London book of prices' and also Thomas Sheraton's 'The Cabinetmakers & upholsterers drawing book' but it was Gillows of Lancaster and London who first used the term 'Carlton House table' in 1796. James Weedon (May 2018)
Provenance
Bequest of the estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy made to the National Trust by Henry John Ralph Bankes (1902-1981). NT ownership commenced from 19th August 1982.
Makers and roles
attributed to Edwards and Roberts, furniture maker
References
Hepplewhite, George, -1786 Hepplewhite furniture designs from the Cabinet-Maker and Upholster's Guide 1794 1947. Sheraton, Thomas,. Sheraton furniture designs 1946. Stuart, Susan 'Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730 - 1840' (2008) 2 vols.