Portable Writing Desks

Even today, many people still own an old portable writing desk or know someone who does. Although portable writing desks have existed in England since the sixteenth century, the majority of those found nowadays date from the Victorian period. They were made in large numbers at that time for the rapidly increasing middle classes. These small pieces of furniture have been largely ignored as antiques, perhaps because they are so numerous and because the quality of the later ones is often poor. However they vary tremendously in size and decoration and it is rare to find two that are identical. This book looks at the history and significance of the portable writing desk and illustrates the main types to be found.