An Encyclopedia of Desks - Hardcover

Bridge, M

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1861602472 ISBN 13: 9781861602473

Publisher: Grange Books, 1999

Synopsis

With an extensive list of makers, this is probably the only book entirely devoted to the history of the writing desk and provides both an accurate guide to identification and assessment for the furniture collector and a fascinating insight into changing styles over four centuries. The excellent full-colour illustrations throughout the book make identification easy, and a full glossary of relevant terms ensures that the reader can follow the vagaries of fashion in structure and decoration, from Biedermeier to Boulle. After a concise review of the development of design during each century (covering countries worldwide), the selection of pieces illustrated and discussed in detail is both representative and intriguing from the 17th century, English scriptors, an American slopefront Bible box, a Dutch bureau-bookcase; from the Golden Age of desk design the 18th century, a French Regency style bureau plot, examples of Queen Anne and Georgian furniture and, of course, Chippendale and Sheraton pieces; 19th century examples of Regency secretaires, Gothic desk cabinets, Shaker desks: and from this century, Art Nouveau pieces from Galle and Gaudi, Vienna Secession creations, and designs from Frank Lloyd Wright and Carlo Bugatti.

Edition details

• Publisher: Grange Books
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1861602472
• ISBN 13: 9781861602473
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128