Small mechanical writing table, with rectangular body raised on four tapering, square-sectioned legs, the body fitted with two drawers below the deep top that breaks in the centre and hinges to either side. The inside of the table contains complex fitmens for writing and reading, including a harlequin (pop-up) section of drawers.

Small mechanical writing table, with rectangular body raised on four tapering, square-sectioned legs, the body fitted with two drawers below the deep top that breaks in the centre and hinges to either side. When the top is open, showing trays with baize-covered lids, a small fitment of 6 pigeonholes above 3 shallow drawers rises at the back, when a metal catch under the table is released. In front of this harlequin fitment there is a writing flap that can be raised on a ratchet, flanked by compartments with hinged lids. The top drawer is fitted with compartments of various sizes, some of which have lids. The table is veneered in satinwood inlaid with various woods. It is set with brass handles and with leather-wheeled castors.

Given by Henry Archer Bowler

Museum negative 74591 shows this on display in Gallery 40 in 1936 as part of a display of Georgian furniture.

Just as we now rely on texting and emailing, late-18th century society relied at the richer level on written communication, including letters and messages written out for servants to deliver. Writing tables were not just confined to libraries or studies but could be found in bedrooms, dressing rooms or drawing rooms. Many, like this one, were designed to be folded up and locked easily, so that private papers were kept out of sight of servants or other members of the household. The variety of designs for writing tables was immense. This one, in golden satinwood veneers, dates from the last decade of the century.

W.40:1to4-1922