small console of dark wood exterior; thin four-sided legs on splaying feet; top opens and front unfolds forward to writing surface; eight drawers and two cubbyholes

Lady's writing desk, 1891

Not on Viewexpand_more

This desk's coquettish form, petite proportions, and exotic materials were inspired by a type of 18th century French writing desk known as bonheur du jour. The term means "happiness of the day," suggesting the intense pleasure these desks provided Europe's fashionable elite.

This desk bears three stamps: "Kenton and Co Ld," for the firm that produced it; "W.Hall," for the man who actually crafted it, and "MEC," for Mervyn Macartney, the designer. Macartney was one of four prominent architects and designers who founded Kenton & Co. The two Arts and Crafts exhibitions Kenton organized in 1891 and 1892 substantially broadened its influence. Macartney included this desk in the first exhibition, where the press praised its "elegance of line and solid workmanship" and declared it "exquisite in every respect."

Details
Title
Lady's writing desk
Artist Life
1853-1932
Role
Designer
Accession Number
2003.166a-i
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

small console of dark wood exterior; thin four-sided legs on splaying feet; top opens and front unfolds forward to writing surface; eight drawers and two cubbyholes