in the manner of GILLOWS OF LANCASTER, A GEORGE III STYLE MAHOGANY AND SATINWOOD INLAID GENTLEMAN'S DOUBLE PEDESTAL DESK, ENGLISH, 19TH CENTURY, the rectangular double rising, ratcheting, molded edge top, over a five faux drawer facade pull out, fall front drawer, the interior writing surface lined with green baize, sliding open, revealing six string inlaid, alphabetical filing compartments, centering open document storage, above an arched knee hole, surmounting a double pedestal with six graduating drawers, the opposing side with a facade of faux drawers in a like arrangement, raised on a molded, wide plinth base; the drawers later fitted with locks attributed to Joseph Bramah (1748-1814). Height: 37 1/2" Width: 50 1/4" Depth: 26 1/2" NOTE: Gillows' most famous desk of this type, was supplied in 1810 for Sir Walter Scott's Edinburgh house. Its cost of 'about £30 ready money' was funded from the success of his poem 'The Lady of the Lake,' a and it was inspired by one that he had seen at Rokeby Hall, Yorkshire. The desk was later transferred to Abbotsford, where it appears, laden with books, in a view of his study executed in 1832 (C. Wainwright, The Romantic Interior, London, 1989, fig. 162).

There is expected surface wear, including scratches, mild stains, dents, occasional veneer cracking and losses. Now lacking a rail at top with exposed brass fitted holes. Various areas where molding is now lacking intermittently throughout. There are cracks on the top where the boards were joined, and some humidity cracks running vertically along the grain. One drawer pull is now lacking. There is patina on the back side of the drawer pulls, and other hardware has probably been replaced. The interior filing compartments have some wood fittings now broken or with apparent repairs. All drawers appear to have been retrofitted with locks, with apparent repairs. Throughout there is an apparent restoration and later finish applied. There is some exposure to woodworm, and some chip losses at the base. Otherwise in good to very good condition, wear commensurate with age and use.

Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."