An English Aesthetic Movement Writing Desk, circa 1870

The design attributable to Charles Bevan (1815-1891)
Manufactured by Lamb of Manchester, English, circa 1870
Stamped 'Lamb, Manchester'.
Walnut, inlaid
122 cm. wide x 74 cm. high x 67 cm. deep.

The moulded rectangular top inset with leather gilt-tooled writing surface, above two shaped frieze drawers decorated with inlaid rosettes with loop handles, on trestle x-frame supports decorated with conforming motifs, joined by a turned stretcher terminating in acorns at each end, on bracket feet fitted with castors.

In the late 1860s and 1870s, Charles Bevan, a leading proponent of the Aesthetic Movement, designed gothic-revival furniture for several Victorian furniture-makers, including Gillows and Lamb. For related tables see Bonhams, Modern Decorative Art & Design, New York, 2022, lot 4, and another table with H. Blairman & Sons (Ref 1945), both of which are based on designs attributed to Bevan (see H. Blairman & Sons, op. cit.). The table with Blairman & Sons, in particular, may be related to the present table in terms of the trestle legs and turned stretcher, as well as the inlaid rosettes.

James Lamb (1816-1903) was the founder of a successful cabinet-making workshop active in Manchester during the Victorian period. Lamb collaborated with prominent designers of the period, including Charles Bevan as well as other key members of the Aesthetic Movement.

RELATED LITERATURE:
H. Blairman & Sons Ltd, 'Gothic-Revival Furniture by Charles Bevan', London, 2006, n.p.