Page 4 - joa-nov-21

Publisher’s Corner

A Lesson on the History of the Desk journalofantiques.com

Publisher
f you are one of those people who feel “any surface decorative and ornate design. This Maxine Carter-Lome
will do,” then it might be hard to understand the desk had a sloped writing surface journalofantiques@gmail.com
Iwriting desk culture, and the personal connection that consisted of a pair of doors Maxine Carter-Lome Business Manager
many people have about the space and surface on which opening to the sides, revealing an unusually high number Jeffrey Lome
they work, although I dare say that working from home of compartments hidden within. jeffrey@journalofantiques.com
this past year during COVID may have made a few new Moving into the 20th century, desks evolved with the
desk fans. design movements of the time and the needs of a more Managing Editor
The word “desk” comes from the 14th century Latin literate and modern society. Steam-driven woodworking Judy Gonyeau
“desca,” meaning “a table to write on,” but over the last machinery made cheap wood-pulp paper possible for the editorial@journalofantiques.com
few centuries, a desk has evolved to become so much mass manufacturing of desk forms, which provided office Contributing Writer
more in the lives of its users. equipment for an expanding white-collar workforce and Erica P. Lome, Ph.D.
The earliest form of the antique desk was a bureau, a the one-piece school desk designed and patented by Art Director
hinged sloping front desk within which the writing sur- Anna Breadin in the late 1880s for the hundreds of new Lynn Cotterman
face can be opened and closed. They were an adaptation public schools opening across the country. ads@journalofantiques.com
of a box or board onto which the writing slope was fitted. The desk rose in importance in the 20th century as a
At first, the sloping surface sat on a stand or pillar legs useful and personal piece of furniture both at home and Production
but soon there was a need for a purpose-made writing in the office. Desk design reflected the modern times, Jill Montague
desk. By the 1690s the writing slope merged with a chest importance, and functionality in spaces dedicated to Judy Gonyeau
of drawers; antique bureaus are essentially a fusion of two the privacy and concentration required of the work
different types of furniture – a writing desk and a chest performed on its surface, and later in the century, its 508-347-1960
of drawers. They were very fashionable during the Queen proximity to a wall outlet.
Anne period (1702-1714). The need and requirements for a desk in the home are Toll free:
The Queen Anne-period bureau was followed by the more important than ever as millions of Americans 888-698-0734
kneehole-writing table. This was a small desk with drawers learned this past year when they were forced to work and Fax: 508-347-0911
on either side of a kneehole, which was often fitted with learn from home. Before COVID, the laptop and tablet Mailing:
a central cupboard. These were either veneered in walnut reduced the need for a dedicated workspace, particularly P. O. Box 950
or provincially constructed of oak. It is not until the for urban apartment dwellers tight on living space. Sturbridge, MA 01566
1750s that we start to see the pedestal and partners desk Wi-Fi and portable devices meant you could now work
that has become so popular today. from your bed, living room couch, at the kitchen info@journalofantiques.com
By 1800 the Gothic- and French-inspired Chippen- counter, down the block at a coffee shop, on the train,
dale style gave way to the more regal Federal style of etc. Our time at home during COVID underscored the UPS and FedEx
furnishing, which remained popular through 1820. importance, once again, of creating a dedicated space. Shipping Address:
From 1820 to 1840, Empire-style design—which There is no doubt that desks are back in style and the 46 Hall Road
featured oversize furnishings adorned with elaborate home office is making a comeback. So is an appreciation Sturbridge, MA 01566
carvings—gained popularity. Furniture makers were for the desks upon which history was written that tell a
commissioned by their wealthy patrons to craft writing story in their own right. In this issue, we look at five such Journal of
tables for the home as a show of their wealth, impor- examples in our feature “Famous Writing Desks That Antiques and Collectibles
tance, and refinement. These ornate decorative objects Made History” on page 17. Managing Editor Judy is published monthly in digital
were an extravagance and tended to be purchased for Gonyeau educates us on the Larkin “Everyman’s Desk” and bi-monthly in print by
display or personal use by a household member rather and the story of The Larkin Idea on page 23. Writers Weathervane Enterprises, Inc.
than for the utilitarian practicality required of all creating great literature have their preferences when it 46 Hall Road
furniture pieces during this time period in the average comes to their writing table, as you’ll discover on page 30 Sturbridge MA 01566.
American home. as we show just what that means for seven classic authors.
Although differing in design and finish, the typical Melody Amsel-Arieli schools us on the story behind Periodicals postage paid at
19th century writing desk featured a sloped writing inkwells, a fixture on desks for centuries, on page 32, and Sturbridge MA.

surface that concealed tiers of drawers, plus compart- other items that define a well-appointed desk are covered
ments and pigeonholes for organizing letters and papers. by Kaitlin Servant on page 26. POSTMASTER:
The sloped surface of these desks often had hinges that
allowed users to fold it back to reveal compartments “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, Send address changes to
hidden below. then, is an empty desk a sign?” – Albert Einstein The Journal of Antiques
Davenport and Wooten are among the most famous and Collectibles
desk designs from the 19th century. The Davenport ISSN: (1539-5618)
desk shared the same basic shape as other English P.O. Box 950
and American writing desks from the period, but the Sturbridge, MA 01566
drawers on the pedestal base opened to the side rather
than the front. Created by a British military officer, it The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
reserves the right to reject any advertising that
featured a heavy, sturdy structure. The Wooten desk, does not comply with our standards. The
which peaked in popularity during the Victorian era, Journal will not be liable for any errors or
omissions but will print a correction in the
was typically built from walnut and featured a highly Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher following issue if notification of such error is
sent by the appropriate deadline. Original
manuscripts are welcomed by qualified
writers. We assume no responsibility for loss
of unsolicited material.
Copyright 2021
All rights reserved

2 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles