William Fry & Co Aesthetic Movement Writing Desk / Table Irish 1870's ANTIQUE
Art furniture makers William Fry & Co were based in Dublin, Ireland. The firm manufactured and supplied fine furniture and home decorations from 1853 to 1886. Although Fry & Co designed predominantly in the gothic style, some pieces of furniture like this writing desk, were produced in the popular taste of the Aesthetic Movement.
Christopher Dresser (one of the well known designers of this movement) worked on at least one design for William Fry's woven cotton and silk homeware fabrics range. For this reason we asked one the UK's experts on Arts and Crafts furniture for help to determine if this desk could have been designed by one of the big names of the Aesthetic Movement. This does not appear to be the case, it is likely to be a commercial piece, but what a piece of Aesthetic furniture!
The design is striking and beautiful at the same time. Ebonised wood is surrounded by the attractive patterns and colours in pieces of burr walnut. The wide black band around the leather worktop is finely carved with decorations such as scrolls and straight lines, dot patterns and many harebell flowers, all commonly associated with the Aesthetic Movement. More of this amazing carved detailing brought out by hand gilding is seen on the two drawer fronts and lids of the storage compartments as well as the legs of this Victorian desk.
Both drawers have a working lock and the key is supplied. To keep the work surface completely clutter free there are two generous storage compartments with lids. Ideal for keeping writing instruments and stationary dust free. Four elegantly turned legs fitted with their original castors make it easy to move the desk around if necessary. Another important feature of the piece is that it can be used freestanding as the back is just as beautiful as the front!
We particularly have to mention the inset leather writing surface, that due to a long life of use, has developed a unique look today. At some point the original leather top was replaced but a former owner must have really loved the embossed decorative border as this is still in place today. The replacement leather for the top was cut to fit inside the existing border hence the desk now features two embossed surrounds. There is a lot of age to this 'new' leather and it must have been installed many years ago. Our restorer has stabilised and nourished the amazing looking leather and it is now ready for the next user and custodian.
Irish furniture makers are known for using some of the best materials available and their high quality workmanship and construction methods. This Aesthetic Movement writing desk is an example of a fine piece of Irish furniture that does not disappoint. One of the best furniture experts worked on the restoration of this unit and it is now in great condition. The desk came to us with a super attractive tired and worn out look. We did not want a brand new version, so a lot of work has gone into the preservation of this. Missing veneer was replaced and the misaligned legs needed extensive repair work. As mentioned the leather work surface has received a lot of 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. Yet 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: Ireland
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Manufacturer: William Fry & Company, Dublin
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Manufacturer's mark: Drawer stamped - Wm. Fry & Co, Dublin
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Period: c.1870's
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Material: Wood, ebonised & burr walnut veneer
- Decoration: Finely carved & gilded
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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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