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Partner's Desk from the Bank of England
- This beautiful mahogany partner’s desk was formerly located at the Bank of England
- It has its original Royal Safe Company safe and a Birmingham-made R.E. & Co. four-lever lock
- The desk is marked with a J. Carter & Company placard from Clerkenwell
- Get complete item description here
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J. Carter & Company
Circa 1890
This commanding English partner’s desk, crafted in richly figured mahogany and green leather, exemplifies the authority and craftsmanship of late 19th-century British furniture. Once used by bankers at the Bank of England, it reflects both the prestige of its setting and the elevated standards of London cabinetmaking. Its symmetrical, double-sided design allows two individuals to work opposite one another, a hallmark of the partner’s desk. . .
J. Carter & Company
Circa 1890
This commanding English partner’s desk, crafted in richly figured mahogany and green leather, exemplifies the authority and craftsmanship of late 19th-century British furniture. Once used by bankers at the Bank of England, it reflects both the prestige of its setting and the elevated standards of London cabinetmaking. Its symmetrical, double-sided design allows two individuals to work opposite one another, a hallmark of the partner’s desk form developed for senior banking officials.
Crafted by J. Carter & Company, the broad rectangular top is inset with a green leather writing surface framed by a molded mahogany edge. Three frieze drawers extend across the façade, each fitted with turned circular pulls, while one pedestal contains a bank of graduated drawers and the opposing pedestal conceals a paneled cabinet door enclosing the integrated safe. Notably, the desk incorporates a Royal Safe Company safe and Birmingham-made R.E. & Co. four-lever lock—an uncommon and sophisticated feature that was meant for the utmost security.
Joseph Carter established his Clerkenwell cabinetry business circa 1841 as a carpenter, builder and decorator. By 1877, Kelly’s Trade Directory records him as a furniture dealer operating from multiple Lime Street addresses. Following his death that same year, the firm continued under William Albert Bird as Joseph Carter & Company, later becoming J. Carter & Company. Clerkenwell was a vital center of London cabinetmaking, supplying furniture to institutions and professional offices throughout the capital.
31 1/2" high x 72" wide x 47 1/2" deep
Provenance:
Private collection, England
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private collection, New Orleans
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Desk/Writing Tables |
| Style: | Victorian |
| Depth: | 47.5 in. (120.65 cm) |
| Width: | 72.0 in. (182.88 cm) |
| Height: | 31.5 in. (80.01 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
