Escritoire
Category
Furniture
Date
1670
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Measurements
1465 mm (Height); 1115 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Cotehele, Cornwall
NT 347721
Summary
Walnut secretaire. The lower part is fitted with 11 drawers and a central open recess with 5 divisions; the drawers with drop handles; the whole supported on shaped bracket feet. The upper section consisting of a fall front writing table inlaid with nailed leather, enclosing 10 drawers with drop handles, a central door with recess below and 10 pigeon holes above. Appears on lithograph of White Room (after Condy) circa 1840. According to Dr Adam Bowett (2002): Walnut scriptor, c.1670. This scriptor is an early example of a common English type which was popular between about 1660 and 1720. Its severe rectilinear form, without cornice or base moulding, is comparable to the Duke’s scriptor at Ham House, which is of a similar date. Other early features include the geometric layout of the veneers on the exterior and the mitred corners to the drawer bottoms. This latter is a feature not commonly found on English cabinets after c.1680. The interior handles appear to be mostly original, but the locks are not. The scriptor was originally on an open stand – the present base is later (does it appear in the Condy lithograph?).