Desk

This desk was exhibited at the Paris Art Deco exhibition of 1925. Although its shimmering silver surfaces are typically Art Deco in style, its simplified kneehole desk form and its bun feet are features of traditional British furniture. Edward Maufe designed this desk for the Paris exhibition, but we do not know the exact details of how it was commissioned. Maufe's wife, Prudence, was chief buyer for Heal's department store in London, which was known for pioneering modern furniture. She was responsible for the arrangement of the British Government Pavilion at the Art Deco exhibition.

Desk · London · 1925. Mahogany carcase, with ebony writing and top surfaces, gessoed and gilded with white gold, with haldu wood footrest and feet, and copper alloy, ivory, rock crystal and silk handles. By Maufe, Edward (Sir). Victoria and Albert Museum, London.