Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BE1998.1.73 |
Object Name |
Davenport |
Other Name |
Desk, Davenport |
Description |
A Victorian, possibly rosewood, Davenport or slant-top desk with drawers on each side and a hinged stationery compartment on top. Has a green felt rectangular insert for writing and a decorative lattice rail along the top back and sides to prevent ink wells from falling off. There is a keyhole in the front that allows the hinged stationery compartment to be locked. Two curved decorative pieces of wood curl inward at each end and run vertically along each side of the front of the davenport. It has casters on each of the four feet. Each side has four drawer faces although only the faces on the proper left side are real drawers. These four drawers also have a keyhole in the centre of each drawer. All drawer faces have two wooden knobs on each. The inside stationary compartment is lighter than the outside wood and is very plain. |
Year Range from |
1830 |
Year Range to |
1860 |
Dimensions |
H-83 W-50 L-54 cm |
History |
The Davenport Desk was originally crafted in the mid-1790s. Though not all Davenport-style desks have secret compartments, many of them do. Whether it be a hidden cupboard opened by releasing a secret knob in one of the drawers or a mechanized pop-up gallery, these handy desks are often crafted of superior quality. Originally, this desk was developed by a British furniture-making firm named Gillow & Co. It is said that the desk's name was inspired by a man named Captain Davenport, for whom the original was made for. Due to the craftsmanship and design of the desk, historians believe the original was meant to be kept in a ship. However, because of its slender and practical design, the Davenport style desk became suddenly popular throughout Europe, Britain and the Americas throughout much of the 19th century. As time progressed, the Davenport's style and flair remained consistent, but with a few subtle stylistic changes including pilasters or cabriole legs, bun feet often including castors, secret compartments, and ornate finishings such as decorative knobs and back rails. REF: http://www.artfactory.com/davenport-desk-antique-wood-desks-dpd800-p-3970.html |
People |
Harris, Mary Harris, Arthur |