Pigeonholes are the small open compartments fitted inside desks, bureaux, secretaires and writing cabinets for storing letters, papers, envelopes and stationery. They are usually arranged in rows above or alongside small drawers, forming the interior fitting of a piece of writing furniture.
The arrangement developed with the bureau and the scrutoire in the late seventeenth century and became standard on English writing furniture throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods. In finer pieces, the pigeonholes are shaped with arched or scalloped dividers, called valances or frets, and surround a central cupboard or door that may conceal secret drawers. Similar compartments were also made as freestanding units for offices, post rooms and solicitors' chambers. Collectors pay close attention to the interior of a bureau, since an original, complete fitting with matching timber, intact dividers and graduated small drawers is a sign of quality and authenticity. Replaced dividers, missing drawers or an interior in different timber can indicate a later alteration or a marriage of parts. Well-made pigeonholes remain as useful today for organising letters and household papers as they were when first made.
