Carlton House desk
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1795
Materials
mahogany, satinwood, brass mounted and leather
Measurements
104 x 160 x 89 cm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Uppark House and Garden, West Sussex
NT 137652
Caption
A similar desk is supposed to have been made for George, Prince of Wales (later George IV), for his bedroom at Carlton House, hence the name. The story of the brass letter slot and a locked cupboard below, tells of trusted members of staff unlocking it to collect the master’s letters.
Summary
A Carlton House desk, circa 1795-1800, in mahogany and satinwood inlaid with eboniseThe term 'Carlton House desk' was first used in 1796 when it is referred to by the firm of Gillow in their cost books for clientsd stringings, the stepped superstructure surmounted by a pierced brass gallery, centred by six small drawers flanked to each side by a curved door and two drawers arranged in two steps, above a writing surface lined in green leather and centred by an adjustable panel, the frieze fitted with three drawers, on turned tapering legs headed by a bulbous fluted section. Presumably acquired by Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh (1754-1846), this form of desk appeared circa 1790, the first being by repute the example made by the royal cabinet maker John kerr for the Prince Regent's London residence, Carlton House. The basic design was published by Hepplewhite in "The cabinet Maker's London Book of Prices" and Thomas Sheraton's "The Cabinet-Maker's and Upholsterer's Drawing Book". The term 'Carlton House desk' was first used in 1796, referred to by the firm of cabinet makers Gillows of Lancaster in their cost books for clients. It has been suggested that this desk could be the work of Gillows.
Provenance
Presumably acquired by Sir Harry fetherstonhaugh; by descent; given to the National Trust in 1954 with the house and some of its contents by Admiral the Hon. Sir Herbert Meade-Fetherstonhaugh.
References
Stuart, Susan 'Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730 - 1840' (2008) 2 vols.