Library Table

Dateca. 1750

MediumOak and deal

DimensionsOH: 29 3/4"; OW: 59 7/8"; OD: 35 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-748

DescriptionTable: rectangular top, middle section of which lifts up to reveal large and fairly deep well. Around sides of this well are 8 long, narrow drawers. Two of them pull out from the front. Below row of drawers is a row of 26 pigeon holes. Side pieces of the 2 pigeon holes in the back corner pull forward; reveal large secret compartments. At bottom of well are 3 large flaps which lift up, allowing room for papers. In elevation, the front apron appears to contain 3 drawers. They are shams. Each of these front "drawers" has centrally located brass plates and pulls. The center drawer is concave, providing room for one's knees when seated at desk. The piece stands on 4 boldly curved cabriole legs which end in pad feet.

Woods: Primary: Oak; Secondary: oak and dealProvenanceHistory is provided by the source in correspondence of 20th July, 1960: "This (desk) has just been bought by me from Aynhoe Park, Aynhoe, Oxfordshire, home of the Cartwright family, and I understand it came out of the Estate office where it had always been."