Examples of our work
Desks
Wallrocks have had the pleasure of restoring a large variety of antique desks in our 40 years of business in Brisbane. The majority of these have all been skillfully attended to by our long term restorer who has now worked with us for over 33 years. This gallery details beautiful examples of his work, showing the before and after pictures of a number of antique desks he has respectfully restored.
Antique desks come in many different shapes and sizes, some understated with clean straight lines and little fuss, whilst others are beautifully detailed with intricate inlays using a variety of timbers and additional embellishments such as brass or ormolu. All are very fine quality and were made with extreme attention to detail and materials.
We are fortunate enough to be able to offer a wide selection to our clients to meet each individual needs, from partners desks or pedestal desks, which might suit a larger room or office, to cylinder desks for rooms where space is at a premium. We also offer a wide range of writing tables, bureau plats and library tables which can be viewed in our “Antique Tables” restoration gallery.
Our antique desks are sourced in original condition, which allows us to establish absolute authenticity. As with our other antique furniture, we are able to custom restore to clients taste, whilst maintaining the integrity of each piece. Our desks can be further personalised in the restoration process with the option of beautiful quality replacement leather writing surfaces, available in a myriad of colours and imported from Europe specifically for the purpose. They come complete with hand tooled and gilded edge detail in a variety of magnificent designs.
One of our more notable desks about to undergo restoration is fondly referred to around here as “The Buck Pal” desk. Stamps marked underneath show its provenance dating back to the 1866 Inventory Audit at Buckingham Palace, London where the desk was housed in one of the many rooms. It was more recently on sale in the Harrods Fine Arts Department before coming into our possession a number of years ago.
To find out more about how any of our beautiful antique desks will restore, please enquire.
Image 1 of 29
Exceptional Quality Bureau Cylindre
Outstanding 19th century French marquetry and parquetry 'Bureau Cylindré' in the manner of Marie Antoinette's desk. The years of dirt and grime had hidden the exceptional quality of this desk evidenced in the intricate woodwork and fine ormolu mounts. Truely one of the best pieces we have ever had through our doors in many years.
Image 4 of 29
Fine Quality English Bureau Plat in the French Louis XV Style
This fabulous quality English bureau plat has just come out of our restoration room, now fully cleaned and restored complete with a new handmade, gilt tooled leather writing surface. Note the exceptionally detailed ormolu mounts.
Christine Spencer, Brisbane, Queensland
"My husband and I have been dealing with Jess and Nick Wallrock for the past 2 years. Their insight and expertise of all antiques is amazing. They are extremely knowledgeable and passionate and have no trouble sourcing items from all over the world. I have full confidence in all the items we have purchased for our home and I fully trust and respect their expertise. Wallrock's is like an Aladdins Cave that is my one stop shop for all things wonderful and beautiful They are the best antique dealers in Queensland hands down and I have no hesitation in any item that I purchase from them. We Hope to have a long ongoing association with them for many years to come. I love and value all the little treasures that I've brought from Wallrock's and look forward to acquiring many more. "
Doug Patrick, Melbourne, Victoria
""My wife and I met Jess and Nick at an antique exhibition in Melbourne in mid-2014. We had long been looking for a special piece of furniture for one of the rooms in our Victorian-era home, and we were delighted to find exactly what we wanted at the Wallrocks stand. Jess and Nick could not have been more informative and encouraging, and our precious item was duly delivered to us with great care and efficiency. In addition, and thanks to their extensive range of stock, Jess and Nick were able to source and deliver two further items which complemented our original purchase. Together, the three items have made a dramatic difference to our home. My experience with the Wallrock family has been very satisfying, and the efforts which they have made to establish an outstanding website will ensure that I am able to find more irresistible items in the future.""
Elizabeth Foster, Gold Coast, Qld
""Hello Jessica I just wanted to thank you ……I love the bed! It has surpassed all expectations. I am amazed at how beautiful it is. Please pass on this note to any who are considering buying an antique through “Wallrocks” It is encouraging to find people that can combine passion with their work and this was evident from the first time I stepped through the door at Wallrocks. Nick Wallrock’s qualifications and experience in sourcing antiques is demonstrated in the simple act of displaying the antiques in their natural un-restored state. Most insightful, as it allowed me to see the piece I intended to buy for what it truly is. Seeing restoration take place on site further bolstered my approval that the piece I bought would be given the respect it deserved. Lynden and Peter are truly gifted restorers as evident in the finished piece. I enjoyed talking with them and seeing their restoration work in progress. Visualising the finished piece in my home was an easy step to take with the assistance of Jessica Wallrock (Nick’s daughter). Jessica’s has a natural ability with style and taste. Jessica imparted to me that antiques are not only beautiful but also useful and easily incorporated into the modern home. I hope that your experience with “Wallrocks” is as rewarding as mine. To Jessica, Nick and everyone at Wallrocks…..Thank You. I look forward to dealing with you in the future.""
Jannene Madden, Melbourne, Victoria
""Recently I went online searching for a particular piece of furniture and found an interesting piece at Wallrocks in Brisbane. It so happened I had planned a trip to Brisbane and upon entering the store, was very impressed with the quality of their pieces. Nick kindly offered to include my chosen piece in his next delivery to Melbourne, whereby I could place the piece insitu to ensure I was totally happy with the size and appearance. He was also happy to take the furniture back to Brisbane if it did not suit my space. Of course the piece was absolutely perfect and is a much treasured piece adorning my home.""
Joan Greenwood, Warrick
""Every item has arrived in excellent condition and beautifully restored. Thank you both for the pleasure you and your antiques have brought and continue to delight me and my family. It is a pleasure to do business with Wallrocks.""