"davenport" Desk, England 1820.

English secretary in Cuban mahogany and blond mahogany. It is inlaid with floral motifs in sycamore. It opens with a flap-writing desk, inclined and upholstered in Havana leather, on a large interior, entirely in sycamore, opening with two small drawers. A row of four drawers, dated '1820', opens on the right side. The other side is decorated with the same row, but with 'false' drawers; The front consists of a single panel with floral decoration in medallion and spandrels. On the upper part, there is a box with a lid, with curved walls and a leather bottom. Back with panel entirely in flamed mahogany, enhanced with lighter rods. The whole is supported by two curved and pierced consoles, resting on a base with four 'ball' feet. This model of furniture was created at the end of the 18th century by the cabinetmaker Grillows in Lancaster, at the request of Captain Davenport, shipowner.