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Secretaire
Baldock, Edward Holmes, born 1777 - died 1845 - Enlarge image
Secretaire
- Place of origin:
London, England (probably, made)
- Date:
1830-1845 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Baldock, Edward Holmes, born 1777 - died 1845 (probably, maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Oak and chestnut, veneered with tulipwood, marquetry of kingwood and tulipwood; gilt bronze mounts and marble top
- Credit Line:
Bequeathed by John Jones
- Museum number:
1012A-1882
- Gallery location:
In store
This secrétaire and its pair look as if they might have been made in Paris in the period 1755–1765. The lyre-shaped body was fashionable in France at the time for such small, delicate writing desks. The decoration of flowers in veneers cut across the grain of small branches (‘end-grain’ or ‘bois de bout’ marquetry) was also used at the time by high-quality cabinetmakers.
However, some of the details of construction, particularly of the drawers, suggest that the secrétaire was made in London in the early 19th century. The pair to this piece is branded with the initials ‘EHB’ for the 19th-century dealer and cabinetmaker Edward Holmes Baldock. He ran a profitable business in London, selling antique furniture, glass and china and repairing and copying pieces of furniture made in Paris in the 18th century. This secrétaire was probably made between 1830 and 1845.
