The Chippendale Writing Desk. The handsome mahogany Chippendale writing desk, supplied in 1759 for £22, takes centre stage.

Incorporated into this was the latest in design and finishing, topped with the best leather and complete with useful features, such as the extendable writing surface for standing use and the many compartments for private possessions and paperwork.

Upon the desk rests the third edition (1762) of Chippendale’s ‘The Gentleman and the Cabinet Maker’s Director’, an elaborate but not exhaustive collection of his company’s product range, which includes a technical drawing of the desk illustrating the pop-out writing surface. The Director is recognised now as one of the first examples of global branding, and resulted in launching Thomas Chippendale to world fame.