Tambour Desk

Artist Patrick Henry Reason (American, 19th century)

Dateabout 1810

Mediummahogany and pine

Dimensions122.6 x 94 cm (48 1/4 x 37 in.)

ClassificationsFurniture

Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Warren

Object number1957.19

Label TextDesks underwent a radical change in design during the Federal period. In 1803 Thomas Sheraton noted in his Cabinet Dictionary that slant-top desks—like the earlier Connecticut block-front example (1933.1)—“are nearly obsolete in London, at least they are amongst the fashionable people.” Americans continued to take information from British fashion and began to furnish their homes with new forms of writing desks. This example is equipped with two sliding doors, or tambours, made of many thin wooden slats glued side-by-side to a canvas backing.ProvenanceElizabeth Warren, 53 Elm St., Worcester, MA;

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