


I did a bit of searching and located a few other examples that are shown below. I also found out a bit of history about the Wooton Patent Desk. This sort of desk was produced by William Wooton from 1870 through 1884 ~ it was called a "secretary desk" and its function was to organize any sort of office paperwork. These desks were expensive at the time (and now!) and only the wealthy could afford such a piece of furniture. The craftsmanship and details on these pieces is just amazing ~ I especially love the different ways the little drawers were designed ~ ie. the addition of numbers or the drawer pulls.




I love that this piece of furniture was advertised as "The King of Desks" ~ I can't imagine that there was much competition! Another of the advertising slogans used for the Wooton's Patent Desk was that it was "A place for everything & everything in its place" ~ nice to know where that saying originated!

Great vintage photo above that shows a Wooton desk being used in an office ~ must have been a successful business to be able to afford such nice office furniture. Below is a book on the desks ~ might be fun to take a look at to learn more and see other examples.

So, how do we go from the Wooton's Patent Desk to that shown below? Granted, the cabinet below would fit most budgets, but after seeing a Wooton, this just doesn't cut it ~ plastic or vinyl drawers ~ UGH! Paperboard boxes with metal pulls would improve this considerably ~ even if it increased the price. What do you think?!

4 comments:
I want a Wooton!
Me too! Wouldn't it make a wonderful needlework station?
woot woot for Wooton! Man, I would love to have one of those desk!
I just stumbled onto your blog about Wooton desks as i was doing research for a jewelers bench. I was lucky 15 or so years ago to happen upon a Wooton desk at a antique dealer in Denver. I bought it and had it delivered back to my home in NYC. As i am writing this i am looking at it right now. It is one of my favorite finds!!! The desk came with articles in frames explaining the history, it said their were very few made and I believe a few are out of the USA. (not sure about this info now) Anyway, just had to leave a comment as this is the first I have ever seen written about the desk.
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