We are pleased to offer this exceptional British rosewood desk with chrome-plated steel legs, dating from the early 1970s. Although the designer and manufacturer remain unknown, the quality of construction, materials and overall design are consistent with high-quality British furniture of the period.

The desk is unusually large and substantial, with a beautifully figured rosewood top supported on four slender rectangular chrome-plated steel legs. The combination of the richly coloured rosewood and highly polished chrome gives the desk a particularly elegant architectural quality, while its generous proportions give it considerable presence.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the design is the pair of full-depth drawers positioned beneath either end of the top. Rather than conventional drawers contained within a pedestal or cabinet, each drawer is suspended beneath the desktop and extends almost the full depth of the desk. When closed, they form part of the strong horizontal profile of the piece; when opened, the unusual construction becomes much more apparent.

The scale, weight and remarkable quality of construction suggest that this may have been a bespoke commission rather than a standard production piece. The desk feels almost over-engineered in the best possible way, with an exceptional standard of cabinetmaking and construction throughout. Particular attention has been given to the junction between the rosewood and chrome, with the legs appearing to pass directly into the structure of the desk and terminating in small polished chrome details along the edge.

The rosewood is particularly beautiful, with a rich reddish-brown colour and strongly figured grain running across the broad surface of the top. The desk has been professionally repolished, bringing out the depth and movement of the timber while retaining the character of the piece.

The desk is in very good vintage condition. The original locks to the drawers are no longer present, leaving the small circular apertures visible to the drawer fronts. There is also a small area of slightly raised veneer to the top, which is stable and does not detract from the overall appearance of the piece.

We are always happy to come across pieces we have not encountered before, and this desk was particularly interesting to us. Despite having handled a considerable amount of British furniture from this period, we have not seen another example. Its unusual construction, generous scale and exceptional use of rosewood make it a particularly interesting piece of early 1970s British design.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.