ANTIQUE DESKS - BLOG & NEWS.

ANTIQUE DESKS

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Monday 13th February 2011 -  Antique Desks - New Stock

After our highly successful Winter Sale we have New stock now arriving - several new antique pedestal desks and writing desks now in stock - some available for immediate delivery, others are restoration projects than can be delivered to individual client specifications - see our New Arrivals Page and our Restoration Projects Page.

Friday 27th January 2011 -  Antique Desks, Antique Writing & ReadingTables & Bookcases - Winter Sale!

LAST FEW DAYS!  SALE MUST END TUESDAY 31ST JANUARY 2012  

Our annual Winter Sale of fine Antique Desks and Antique Writing Tables and more is now on.  10% OFF our stock of Antique Desks, Tables and Bookcases.  (Note: antique chairs, and new chairs and cabinets are not included in the Winter Sale).  Free UK Delivery applies to all stock as usual.  Note: our Special Offer Stock (Click Here) also has the full 10% OFF as well - making these items exceptionally good value!

Sunday 22nd January 2011 -  Antique Desks, Antique Writing & ReadingTables & Bookcases - Winter Sale!

SALE MUST END TUESDAY 31ST JANUARY 2012.  

Our annual Winter Sale of fine Antique Desks and Antique Writing Tables and more is now on.  10% OFF our stock of Antique Desks, Tables and Bookcases.  (Note: antique chairs, and new chairs and cabinets are not included in the Winter Sale).  Free UK Delivery applies to all stock as usual.  Note: our Special Offer Stock (Click Here) also has the full 10% OFF as well - making these items exceptionally good value!

Friday 13th January 2011 -  Antique Desks, Antique Writing & ReadingTables & Bookcases - Winter Sale!

Our annual Winter Sale of fine Antique Desks and Antique Writing Tables and more is now on.  10% OFF our stock of Antique Desks, Tables and Bookcases.  (Note: antique chairs, and new chairs and cabinets are not included in the Winter Sale).  Free UK Delivery applies to all stock as usual.  Note: our Special Offer Stock (Click Here) also has the full 10% OFF as well - making these items exceptionally good value!

Friday 6th January 2011 -  Antique Desks, Antique Writing & ReadingTables & Bookcases - Winter Sale!

Our annual Winter Sale of fine Antique Desks and Antique Writing Tables and more is now on.  10% OFF our stock of Antique Desks, Tables and Bookcases.  (Note: antique chairs, and new chairs and cabinets are not included in the Winter Sale).  Free UK Delivery applies to all stock as usual.

Tuesday 27th December 2011 -  Antique Partners Desks

We have a large stock of fine antique partners desks - various sizes from 54" to 72" and partners desks in oak, mahogany and walnut - also partners desks in different configurations of drawers and cupboards

Saturday 10th December 2011 -  Antique Desks - 10 Reasons to Buy!

Our top 10 reasons to buy a fine antique desk!  And a few good reasons why you should buy your antique desk from Antiquedesks.net.

Saturday 3rd December 2011 -  Antique Desks - Special Offers for Christmas! 

Antiquedesks.net is pleased to announce a range of "Special Offers" on its website.  On this page a limited number of fine antique desks, antique writing tables, antique desk chairs, antique reading tables and antique bookcases are being offered at special prices for the Christmas Season.  Click - Special Offers - to see full details.

Monday 28th November 2011 -  Antique Desks - Special Offers! 

Antiquedesks.net is pleased to announce the launch of the "Special Offers" page on its website.  On this page a limited number of fine antique desks, antique writing tables, antique desk chairs, antique reading tables and antique bookcases will be offered each month at special prices.  For example,  the current November 2011 page offers 10 top quality pieces of unique antique writing furniture at special prices.  Click - Special Offers - to see full details.

Friday 28th October 2011 -  "The Gentleman's Library" and Antique Desks.

"Gentleman's Library" Furniture is a very good description for many of the fine pieces of antique furniture stocked by Antiquedesks.net.  Reflecting the best antique furniture of the late 18thC, 19thC and early 20thC typical pieces for the Gentleman's Library might include the antique desk itself - perhaps a fine antique partners desk or pedestal desk - a desk chair and possibly a fine antique library chair for sitting and reading away from the desk, bookcases of various sizes and styles, a separate writing or library table, reading tables as well as the necessary desk and library accessories. Visit our "Gentleman's Library" Furniture page to see more examples.

Friday 21st October 2011 -  Antique Desk Restoration

All our newly arrived antique desks and antique writing tables are thoroughly checked over by our expert restorers and a specific restoration programme is agreed for each desk or table (as necessary).  This may range from a light clean and polish to a full structural renovation with new leather writing surface etc. We always aim to retain as much originality as possible in all our restoration work.  More details on our restoration processes and examples of the fine work of our professional restorers can be found on our Antique Desk Restoration page on this website (Click here to follow the link)

Monday 10th October 2011 -  New Stock

Superb small writing desk by Thomas Mash - just arrived - Thomas Mash 102 Wardour Street London. 1829-1839.  (His mark stamped in two places on the desk). Classic small mahogany writing desk of the period - top quality and very collectable - see new arrivals.

Thursday 22nd September 2011 - New Antique Writing Tables Arriving

Visit our NEW ARRIVALS page to see details of new stock arriving each month.

Thursday 8th September 2011 - New Delivery Arrangements

From 8th September Antiquedesks.net now offers FREE UK DELIVERY on all its stock of fine Antique Desks and Writing Tables. 

Thursday 25th August 2011 - New Stock - many new desks now in stock

See them at on our NEW ARRIVALS page.

Friday 12th August 2011   End of the Antique Desks Summer Sale

Last few days of the Summer Sale - must end 14th August 2011

Monday 8th August 2011   End of the Antique Desks Summer Sale

Our annual Summer Sale must end on Sunday 14th August 2011 (midnight) - last few days to buy one of our fine pieces of Antique Furniture at a Summer Sale price.

Saturday 30th July 2011   Antique Bookcases and Antique Reading Tables.

As you will see from our home page we are now stocking Antique Reading Tables and Antique Bookcases.

Our Antique Reading Tables range from original Georgian examples through to rare and unusual patent examples from the Late Victorian and Edwardian periods.  Occasionally we also stock Antique Music and Duet Stands (fantastic rosewood music stand by JAS Shoolbred now being cleaned and readied for photography). 

Antique Bookcases.  We are often asked to supply antique bookcases to match our antique desks and antique writing tables.  We have chosen to specialise in smaller antique open bookcases from the Victorian and Edwardian periods - mahogany, walnut and oak are the most popular woods and all our bookcases are substantial, original and of the highest retail quality after being checked by our experienced restorers.

Saturday 16th July 2011   Antique Desks - Summer Sale Now On !

SUMMER SALE NOW ON - 15% OFF LIST PRICES

Lots of new stock arrived this month - Why not visit us in the beautiful city of Canterbury Kent ?  Contact Us to arrange an appointment

Thursday 7th July 2011 - Antique Desks - New Arrivals

Large number of new Antique Pedestal Desks now arrived in a variety of styles and sizes.  Some are ready to go others need a little TLC by our restorers.   See our July New Arrivals by clicking here.  Desks that require restoration can be reserved and Clients can specify any requirements they may want - e.g. a replacement leather in a particular colour.

Saturday 2nd July 2011   Antique Desks - Summer Sale Now On!

SUMMER SALE NOW ON - 15% OFF LIST PRICES

Monday, 27 June 2011  ANTIQUE OFFICE FURNITURE

Antique Office Furniture is really a term that is best applied to Edwardian (post 1900) and later furniture.

Office furniture that we take for granted today only started to appear post 1900 - the filing cabinet being a good example. It is rare to see a filing cabinet dating from the 1800's - even the cabinets from the early 1900's tended to have thin horizontal shelves for holding papers - not the modern hanging systems we are more familiar with today.

Desks and bookcases of course have been part of the "office" scene for some time. A Victorian office work place would have had a number of types of desk depending on the seniority of the worker - e.g. small Davenport Type Clerks Desks, Dickens Type Clerks Desks, Bankers Desks, Pedestal Desks, Partners Desks, Desks on Stands etc

At Antiquedesks.net we recognise that we can't source a Georgian, Regency or Victorian filing cabinet to match one of our period desks. We therefore commission a well known firm of British craftsmen to make modern style Filing Systems and Cabinets to match our genuine antique desks and writing tables in terms of wood, colour and even handle type and style - perhaps this is the best of both worlds!

Tuesday, 21 June 2011  ANTIQUE PARTNERS DESKS

Antiquedesks.net sells fine Antique Partners Desks. We also sell fine Antique Library Tables - also sometimes known as Antique Partners Tables.

The term "partners" reflects the fact that the partners desk can be used from both sides. Antique Partners Desks come in various configurations. Some have drawers on both sides - typically none drawers to each side - total 18 - known as an "Antique 18 Drawer Partners Desk" - others have combinations of drawers and shelved cupboards. Some even have the drawers concealed behind cupboard doors.

An Antique Partners Table has drawers to both sides - typically two or three drawers to each side - making for a total of four or six drawers.

Antiquedesks.net stocks a wide variety of Antique Partners Desks. We have Antique 18 drawer Partners Desks and traditional Antique Partners Desks with drawers and cupboards. We have a fine Antique Walnut Partners Desk in stock with drawers concealed behind cupboard doors. We also have antique mahogany partners desks and antique oak partners desks in stock.

Our Antique Partners Desks come in various sizes - including Antique Large Partners Desks. Our Antique Partners Desks also come from various periods including Antique Victorian Partners Desks and Antique Edwardian Partners Desks.

Our antique library or partners tables also come in a range of sizes including antique large partners tables. We have a large Antique William IV Partners Table in stock

Our full stock of Antique Partners Desks can be seen by Clicking Here

Friday, 17 June 2011   Antique Desks - Summer Sale Now On!

SUMMER SALE NOW ON - 15% OFF LIST PRICES

Monday, 13 June 2011   Antique Desks - Quality Lasts a Lifetime - Literally!

They say quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten - certainly true of our fine antique desks and antique writing tables. A number of up-market retail stores are now selling on the premise that their customers "buy once, pay once" i.e. they buy top quality and then don't have to buy again soon. It is worth paying a little more for something that lasts....

When we buy our antique desks and antique writing tables for our stock we are looking for originality and careful ownership - we often buy antique desks and antique writing tables that have been in the same ownership for over 100 years - these desks and tables will be refurbished by us (as necessary) and are then ready to go to their new homes - hopefully for another 100 years. Two examples we currently have in stock are a Small Antique Mahogany Pedestal Desk that was bought around 1850 and had been in the same ownership ever since and a Large Antique Mahogany Partners Desk that had been in the same Country House since around 1910. The quality of both items was immediately apparent to us when we saw them and all the original fittings (locks, keys, handles etc even the leather tops) were still present - all they needed was a good clean!

So - the moral of the story - pay a little more for something that will last - in the case of one of our Antique Desks or Antique Writing Tables - probably for the next 100 years with a little care !

To help you select your Antique Desk or Antique Writing Table - please refer to our helpful "Guide to Buying an Antique Desk"

Antiquedesks.net sells fine Antique Partners Desks, Antique Pedestal Desks, Antique Writing Desks, Antique Writing Tables and Antique Library Tables - as well as fine Antique Desk Chairs and Office Furniture. Guide to Buying an Antique Desk

Monday, 6 June 2011 - Special Antique Desks.

www.antiquedesks.net featured in the April 16th 2011 Edition of the Financial Times Superior Interiors Magazine. Their feature on "VIP Desks" (page 70) explained how a celebrated former owner can add cachet (and value) to an antique desk or antique writing table. Lynda Lawrence, Director of Lawpan Ltd, owners of www.antiquedesks.net and www.antiques4cottages.com was interviewed and discussed some of the more celebrated antique desks that our business has handled over the 30+ years we have been in business.

The FT article also gave several examples of antique desks owned and sold by a number of well known personalities including Charles Dickens (desk sold at auction for £433,250), Lord Lucan (desk sold for £13,200) and desks used by Agatha Christie and Formula One Motor Racing Driver, Graham Hill.

Our experience is that a well known former owner certainly adds to the value and saleability of an antique desk or antique writing table, but other factors are also important including the originality of the desk and its fittings. www.antiquedesks.net specifically searches out desks with the highest levels of originality, this being a more important criteria to us than condition itself - since we can always sympathetically restore a desk. We look for original leather writing surfaces, drawer handles, brass locks and even castors and wheels.

We also look for antique desks and antique writing and library tables and chairs stamped by their makers (Gillows of Lancaster, Holland & Sons, Edwards & Roberts, Shapland & Petter , Shoolbred etc) as well as those bearing their retailers labels - (Heals, Maple & Co etc) and those with a well defined style that can be linked to a well known maker or retailer e.g. Liberty's

Tuesday,  31 May 2011 - Antique Library Tables.

We have noticed a trend recently for some of our Clients to specify a large Antique Library Table or Antique Writing Table rather than a traditional Antique Partners Desk or Antique Pedestal Desk for their home office. Compared to a desk the slim profile of the table opens up a room and allows any feature floor coverings (or wood flooring) to be shown off to its best while still providing a large work area and some storage.

Library tables typically have drawers to both sides of the table and the larger tables come in four drawer or six drawer configurations. Since there are drawers to both sides of the Antique Library Table they are sometimes known as "Partners Tables" (in the same way as a two sided desk is known as a Partners Desk). Georgian, Regency, William IV, Victorian and Edwardian tables can all be found in various sizes, woods and styles.

Top quality Antique Library Tables usually have a leather writing surface and we have seen examples in all the main woods used for cabinet making - mahogany, oak and walnut. We would classify a large Antique Library Table as up to (or beyond ) 72" (183cm) in width and perhaps 36" (91cm) or 48" (122cm) in depth. A medium size table would be more usually around 60" (153cm) in width. Example Ref 3030 Large Antique Victorian Mahogany Library Table

Other important things to look out for in a quality Antique Library Table would be the shape of the legs as well as the top having "crossbanded" veneers. Quality brass locks and wheeled castors can also be important indicators of the pedigree of an Antique Library Table.

Some examples of top quality tables can be seen in the Antique Desks Current Stock and Stock Archive.  Stock ref 3009 - by Antique Library Table by Holland & Sons is well worth looking at - including the Gallery showing the Queen Victoria Inventory Stamps to the underside of the table.

Monday,  23 May 2011 - New Stock - Antique Desks and Antique Writing Tables.

We have New Stock of Antique Desks and Antique Writing Tables arriving most weeks. From fine antique partners desks, antique pedestal desks and antique writing desks in all sizes and styles to antique writing tables and antique library tables and antique desk chairs.

As our new stock of antique desks and antique writing tables arrives at our premises we take preliminary photographs for this website.  Clients can then see what stock may be soon be available for delivery once it has been checked and restored to the very best retail condition. Clients may also specify elements of the restoration to customise the antique desk or antique writing table to their particular needs .e.g colour and style of leather writing surface - where appropriate, of course.

To see more visit New-Arrivals-Antique-Desks-Antique-Writing-Tables-Antique-Chairs

Monday, 16 May 2011 - Antique Desk Chairs

We supply fine antique desk chairs to match our genuine antique desks. We supply genuine Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian antique desk chairs. We can also supply new desk chairs custom made to our clients requirements. Various sizes and style of antique desk chair can be found to suit most types of antique desk that we supply including antique partners desks, antique pedestal desks, antique writing desks, antique writing tables and antique library tables

Fine genuine antique desk chairs are increasingly hard to find in good condition. By their very nature the chairs will have been well used and often require extensive restoration to both the fabric of the chair and its mechanism (where fitted). The repair of the swivelling mechanism of an Antique Victorian Desk Chair, for example, is a skilled task involving not just a traditional antique restorer but also a skilled metal worker or mechanical engineer! Because of this, original antique desk chairs are often un-economic to repair - sad to say. Nonetheless we always strive to keep a few excellent examples in stock for clients who wish to have a genuine antique desk chair to match their desk.

We are able to commission new custom made desk chairs from a long established firm of British craftsmen. These chairs can be custom made in a wide variety of styles, woods, finishes and leathers to match our clients choice of antique desk and their home decor. Prices are much the same as for a genuine antique desk chair but with the advantage that the chair has been custom made and has all the modern ergonomic fittings and adjustments - for those who will be using the chair for long periods in their office or home study this can be a big plus! Delivery of these new chairs takes about 6-8 weeks from time of order. More details can be found on our Custom Made Desk Chairs web page.

Finding multiple antique desk chairs that match is even more difficult than finding a single antique desk chair in good order - yet for an antique partners desk or antique library table this may be a requirement. This is another areas where a matching pair ( or full set) of custom made desk chairs can be supplied by us.

Some examples of the fine combinations of antique desks and antique desk chairs we have recently sold can be seen on our Antique Desks and Antique Desk Chair Sets web page.

Monday,  9 May 2011 - Wanted ! Fine Antique Desks

To help maintain our large stock of genuine antique desks and writing tables we buy fine antique desks and antique writing tables from many sources. We buy them in all conditions whether they need a light polish or a full structural renovation.

If you have a genuine Antique Desk, Antique Writing Table or Library Table or other piece of fine Antique Writing Furniture that you are thinking of selling, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We usually ask for some basic photographs and dimensions of the desk or table to be sent to us at our email address (Contact Us). After reviewing this information we will revert with our thoughts on value and whether we wish to proceed to buy the piece from you (which may require us to visit to view the desk or table in person). Once a price has been agreed we arrange for payment via cash, cheque or bank transfer and then arrange and pay for all transportation to bring the piece to our premises in Canterbury, Kent.

We can also Part Exchange your existing antique desk or antique writing table against our stock if you are looking for a desk or table in say, a different style or size.

We are always looking for good examples of Antique Partners Desks, Antique Pedestal Desks and Antique Library Tables - please do not hesitate to contact us if you are looking to sell such an item.

Monday,  2 May 2011  - Antique Desks for the Interior Designer

Antiquedesks.net has been supplying the very best Antique Writing Furniture to Clients worldwide for over 30 years. During that time we have sourced many thousands of genuine antique desks, antique writing tables, antique library tables and antique desk chairs.

However at any one time we always have one or two really special antique desks and antique writing tables in stock alongside our more traditional and classic offerings. These antique desks or tables (or even chairs) may not necessarily be our most expensive items, or our largest, but they will be something that is truly outstanding from a visual or impact point of view. We call these our "Designer Desks"

Many Interior Designers contact us to source unique desks and tables and we assist then in selecting the most appropriate genuine antique furniture to match their new designs. We have worked with many prestigious designers and their clients worldwide. Examples for some of the items supplied can be found on the "Designer Desk" page of our website. Items include Antique Partners Desks, Antique Library Tables, Antique Pedestal Desks, Antique Writing Tables and Antique Writing Desks. We can also supply Antique Desk Chairs to match as well as other fine Antique Library Furniture through our sister website: www.antiques4cottages.com - specifically www.antiques4cottages.com/the-gentlemans-library

If you are looking for something unique, or to match a specific interior design theme or concept, please contact us via www.antiquedesks.net and we can usually provide you with ideas and examples from our extensive database for you to choose from. Our unique Antique Desk Finder Service is also available to help source that extra special piece of antique writing furniture for your office, study or library.