Antique Writing Tables come in many different forms and designs. They would have been built by skilled cabinet makers, made to order by wealthy clients, as writing was for the more educated Gentleman or Lady. As these were special pieces of antique furniture, they would have only been built using the finest timbers.
Some of the earliest forms were from the late 18th century and were quite large in size, used in libraries and offices. This fine Georgian Mahogany antique partner writing table has a central tooled leather writing insert. Each side has two working drawers with decorative brass lion head handles so you could sit and work on either side. This would be suitable for accountants, solicitors, bank clerks and other professional uses.
During the early 19th Century smaller sizes were made to fit into regular homes. They were extremely well built like this Regency example with the central red tooled leather writing insert, two Mahogany lined working drawers with turned handles.
Between 1835 and 1837 there was a short period of time when William IV furniture was made. This is a good example of an Oak Writing Table from this period with a beautifully figured top, rounded corners above four turned upright supports, has a turned cross stretcher and four splayed legs with brass cup castors.
Victorian Antique Writing Tables
It wasn’t until the Victorian era; fine inlay was used along with decorative embellishments on the writing table. This was because cabinet makers looked not only at the design for writing but also at the decorative angle to display in your home. This spectacular inlaid rosewood, Victorian antique writing table has the original makers stamp by Samuel Cutter Liverpool and is a lovely unique piece. It has a decorative brass gallery rail above a beautiful inlaid back with decorative turnings and two elegant inlaid cupboard doors with stationary dividers.
During the Edwardian period new shapes were introduced along with copies of earlier styles. This Spectacular Writing Table is made from fine Mahogany timbers. The top has a wonderful oval tooled leather writing insert with beautiful satinwood cross-banded edges with boxwood and ebony string inlays and also very unusual hare wood inlays. The lower section is bow fronted with a central drawer and two deeper outer drawers again beautifully inlaid with the original brass handles. This spectacular writing table has unusual shaped corner brackets with decorative fan detailing and stands on four tapering legs with spade feet.
Other shapes used were the Kidney and Serpentine. This Maple & Co Kidney Shaped Antique Writing Table is a prime example with decorative brass handles; acanthus carved turned reeded legs and brass castors.
Earlier designs were used like this Chippendale Revival table with the most stunning blind fretwork carvings and beautifully carved corner brackets. This splendid antique table has been finished all the way around so may be placed in the centre of the room if desired. Unlike the original Chippendale furniture, you can buy these at a fraction of the cost and you still get a decorative and desirable piece with unique early features.
