Introduced in the 1780s, the Carlton House table, or desk, signified a certain level of prestige as its elegance of craftsmanship and use of expensive materials made it a fairly uncommon piece of furniture to own. The Carlton writing table was named after the London home of the Prince of Wales (later George IV), for whom the first desk was commissioned. Normally constructed of mahogany or satinwood, they characteristically feature a stepped, or tiered, superstructure of drawers and pigeonholes running along the back and curving around the sides of the top, leaving clear space on the side nearest the seat. The curve of the superstructure is emphasised by small concave cupboard doors or drawers, and the sides are commonly stepped or curved down toward the front. A brass rim, or gallery, runs around the outer edge of the superstructure given it a crisp and dazzling finish.
Well proportioned with refined lines and curves, this particular Carlton Writing Table is sure to delight those who love to sit down to work at a desk with history and grace…or perhaps those who simple love beautiful objects!
