A writing desk is a piece of furniture designed for writing, reading and the storage of papers, pens and correspondence. The term covers a wide variety of forms that developed as literacy, letter writing and business correspondence increased from the seventeenth century onwards.
Early examples were simple boxes with sloping lids, which developed into the bureau, with a fall front enclosing drawers and pigeonholes above a chest of drawers. The eighteenth century added the kneehole desk, the bureau bookcase, the cylinder desk and the elegant ladies' bonheur du jour, while the Regency and Victorian periods brought the davenport, the pedestal desk and the large partners' desk, designed for two people to work facing one another. Many desks have leather writing surfaces, secret compartments and fitted interiors. When buying, check the condition of the leather, the smooth running of drawers and the originality of handles and locks. A good antique writing desk remains a practical and characterful centrepiece for a study or home office.
