Antique Edwardian Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk by Spillman & Co. c.1910

A fine Edwardian bureau plat in the Louis XVI manner, retailed and likely commissioned by Spillman & Co. of St Martin’s Lane, a distinguished London furnishing house active from the late Victorian period into the early twentieth century. Crafted in well-figured mahogany with a gilt-tooled green leather writing surface enclosed by a pierced brass gallery and fitted with twin pull-out slides with matching inset leather. 

The frieze features a central drawer above the kneehole, flanked on one side by two standard drawers and on the other by a single deeper drawer designed with twin false fronts. The deeper drawer includes a removable sectioned tray and a lockable compartment. The reverse is finished with corresponding faux drawers, allowing the desk to stand freely in a room. 

The desk is richly detailed with brass mouldings and finely cast mounts, standing on square tapering legs with inset brass fluting and moulded brass feet, the tops of the legs adorned with finely cast neoclassical swags. 

Directly inspired by late eighteenth-century French bureau plats, reflecting the Edwardian taste for finely made neoclassical revival furniture. It represents a refined English interpretation of the Louis XVI style, combining classical form with London-made precision.

Presented in very good antique condition with a mellow patina and minor wear consistent with age. All drawers have working keys. Structurally sound, clean and ready to place in the home.

English, c.1910

H: 78.5 W: 147.5 D: 77.5 cm
Height to underside of desk: 57.5 cm
Height of tabletop: 75.5 cm