How did the slant top desk get its name?
Slant top desk. In the United States, the slant top desk is sometimes called a Governor Winthrop desk, in memory of John Winthrop, the 17th century governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. As Winthrop died in 1647, he had no actual connection to this style of desk, which originated in the 18th century and is especially associated with Chippendale.
What kind of desk was popular in 19th century?
However, the Davenport became popular on dry land in the 19th century, in homes throughout England and the United States. Originally a simple chest of drawers with a swivel top, it grew increasingly ornate, with pilasters or cabriole legs in front. It traditionally rests on bun feet, often with castors to make it portable from room to room.
Who is the Governor of the slant top desk?
In the United States, the slant top desk is sometimes called a Governor Winthrop desk, in memory of John Winthrop, the 17th century governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Where did the drop front desk come from?
This popular type of desk, also known as a drop-front, originated in Spain in the 16th century as the vargueño. Since then it’s been incorporated into many different desk styles, including the Butler’s desk pictured.
Is the slant top desk the little brother of the secretary desk?
The slant top desk can be considered in some ways as the ancestor or the little brother of the secretary desk for it is, for all practical purposes, a secretary desk without the massive bookcase on top of it. It can also be considered as the descendant, in form, of the desk on a frame, which was a form of portable desk in earlier eras.
How old is the slant top school desk?
Wood and Iron No 4 School Desk Writing Smaller Childs Desk Dated 1869 Antique Oak Table Top Spool Cabinet Slant Top Desk.
What to do with a slant top desk?
For instance, some slant top desks have very crude chains or levers to hold the desktop in an open working position, while others have elegant sliders (“lopers”) which are manually or automatically extended to give support. Aronson, Joseph. The Encyclopedia of Furniture. 3rd ed.
How tall should an antique writing desk be?
Most antique writing desks tend to be table-height, making them more difficult to disguise than antique desks like the roll top or secretary. If you are looking to integrate one into a common space, consider a particularly compact model that can function much like a console or bar when not in use.
