A portable desk is a box that opens to provide a writing surface, with compartments inside for paper, pens, ink and correspondence. Most open on hinges to form a sloping surface covered in leather or baize, and are commonly known as writing slopes or lap desks.
Portable desks were widely used from the late eighteenth century until the early twentieth century by travellers, soldiers, officials and anyone who needed to write away from a fixed desk. Typical examples are made of mahogany, rosewood, walnut or coromandel, often brass-bound at the corners for strength and fitted with flush handles so that they could be packed for travel. Interiors may contain inkwells, pen trays, hidden drawers and document wells, and some have secret compartments released by springs or sliding panels. Collectors look for good figured timber, original brass fittings, complete fitted interiors, original locks and keys, and leather writing surfaces in good order. Replacement skivers are common and acceptable if well done. Portable desks are practical, attractive and suit smaller homes, and they work well as decorative objects on a side table or library desk.
