Collinson & Lock Attr. EW Godwin Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Desk ANTIQUE
A fine Anglo-Japanese style desk dating from the first half of the 1870's attributed to Edward William Godwin (1833 - 1866). Remarkable quality piece in the taste of the Aesthetic Movement by high end furniture maker Collinson & Lock. Constructed from fine timbers with an ebonised outer finish. The green leather worktop is original and features a tooled edging paired with fine gilded tramline detailing. Pierced trefoil and quatrefoil motifs form the decoration on the front arch and the stretchers. High quality brass fittings provide a beautiful contrast with the polished black.
From 1872 Victorian architect and designer E.W. Godwin started his collaboration with Collinson & Lock. During a short period of possibly just over 3 years he provided the London based company with designs for a wide range of products, anything from fire irons to bedsteads. The design of this fine piece of furniture, currently available from us, dates from that same period.
This Collinson & Lock desk is made in the aesthetic of the Anglo-Japanese style. In the early 1870's E.W. Godwin became much influenced by the Arts and Crafts of Japan. Further inspiration came from the Japanese use of lacquer and consequently many of his furniture pieces feature an ebonised finish. Anglo-Japanese ceramics and furniture were often decorated with stylized, flattened trefoils and quatrefoils. These symmetrical shapes associated with classic English Gothic design feature three and four overlapping lobes, rings or leaves. Two pierced quatrefoils and one round motif form the decoration on the elegant front arch of the desk. A repeat pattern of small trefoils can be found on the stretchers that connect the eight legs.
Five drawer desks with a fixed writing surface resting on two rectangular leg sections appear to have been a regular in the repertoire of Collinson and Lock. The original basic design of this type of desk can be attributed to E.W Godwin. We are very grateful to one of the leading experts of Arts and Crafts furniture in the UK for providing this information.
The worktop is of a generous size, and works well with the requirements we often have today. The leather work surface is completely original, now beautifully restored and good for many years of service. The fine gilded tramline decoration matches the moulded pattern seen on the outer edges of the desk. All five drawers run right through to the inner back panel to provide maximum storage space. The decorative tram lines are a recurring theme on all four sides of this magnificent writing desk. Fitted with eight finely detailed legs, all precision turned with small tapered feet that give appearance of visual lightness. Finest quality drawer handles with rope detailing, made of brass.
The centre drawer is fully stamped with Collinson & Lock, London. Their factory product codes usually consisted of four digits. Only the first number, 6, is visible as the fitted lock obscures the other three digits. Keys are not supplied. A rare piece of furniture of the highest quality.
Once again, one of the best furniture experts in the country worked on this restoration. We fell in love with the worn look of this piece, but some repair work was necessary, so a careful and sympathetic approach was needed. The leather work surface received much care and attention too. The end result achieved by our professional restorer and his team is a masterclass in preserving the magical look of this piece of antique furniture. The desk is fully functional again for the next hundred years!
Before purchasing please contact us to obtain a quote for home delivery by a trusted specialist courier. Alternatively you are welcome to collect your purchase from our premises in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Product summary
- Place of origin: England
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Manufacturer: Collinson and Lock, London
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Manufacturer's mark: Drawer stamped - Collinson & Lock, London, 6??? (erased by fitted lock)
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Period: c.1875
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Material: Wood, ebonised
- Decoration: Pierced Motifs
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Size: Length 115cm (45.25 inches), Width 55cm (21.5 inches), Height 72cm (28.25 inches) approx.
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