ANTIQUE DAVENPORT DESKS - 1795 to 1885

A small free-standing writing-desk made in large numbers and with many variations through the 19thC. The name derives from an entry in the 1790s cost books of Gillows in Lancaster - 'For Capt Davenport, a desk' - alongside a design for a box like desk with drawers opening to one side and a writing slope above. Although presumably as a space-saving design for use on board ship, its small size and lower than-average height ensured its popularity with women and children. 

STYLE
Regency examples had a simple slope-top which could either slide forward or sideways on runners to provide knee-space, or swivel to one side on a stout peg. Some had a brushing and/candle slide at one side. The flat surface above the slope was generally bordered by a brass gallery. Many had a long narrow drawer fitted with small compartments for ink and writing implements which pulled out from one side. This was usually released by removal of a long pin inside the desk its head masquerading as the knob of a small dummy drawer. Most were supported on bun feet, some on short, turned legs on castors. 

During the 1820s the front was often faced with pilasters, but more commonly a fixed slope, supported on pillars rising from a plinth, replaced the sliding top. The lower drawers became correspondingly narrower. Galleries were constructed from wood, and bun feet were flattened or replaced by semi-concealed castors. 

After 1860 'piano lid' tops were popular with pull-out writing-slides. 

During the 1880s fashionable 'Art Furniture' Davenports had short ring-turned legs and panels of gilded and painted decoration. 

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