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Rocco Antiques
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+44 7402787460
William Fry & Co Aesthetic Movement Desk Irish
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William Fry & Co Aesthetic Movement Writing Desk / Table Irish 1870's ANTIQUE
Art furniture makers William Fry & Co were based in Dublin, Ireland. The firm manufactured and supplied fine furniture and home decorations from 1853 to 1886. Although Fry & Co designed predominantly in the gothic style, some pieces of furniture like this writing desk, were produced in the popular taste of the Aesthetic Movement.
Christopher Dresser (one of the well known designers of this movement) worked on at least one design for William Fry's woven cotton and silk homeware fabrics range. For this reason we asked one the UK's experts on Arts and Crafts furniture for help to determine if this desk could have been designed by one of the big names of the Aesthetic Movement. This does not appear to be the case, it is likely to be a commercial piece, but what a piece of Aesthetic furniture!
The design is striking and beautiful at the same time. Ebonised wood is surrounded by the attractive patterns and colours in pieces of burr walnut. The wide black band around the leather worktop is finely carved with decorations such as scrolls and straight lines, dot patterns and many harebell flowers, all commonly associated with the Aesthetic Movement. More of this amazing carved detailing brought out by hand gilding is seen on the two drawer fronts and lids of the storage compartments as well as the legs of this Victorian desk.
Both drawers have a working lock and the key is supplied. To keep the work surface completely clutter free there are two generous storage compartments with lids. Ideal for keeping writing instruments and stationary dust free. Four elegantly turned legs fitted with their original castors make it easy to move the desk around if necessary. Another important feature of the piece is that it can be used freestanding as the back is just as beautiful as the front!
We particularly have to mention the inset leather writing surface, that due to a long life of use, has developed a unique look today. At some point the original leather top was replaced but a former owner must have really loved the embossed decorative border as this is still in place today. The replacement leather for the top was cut to fit inside the existing border hence the desk now features two embossed surrounds. There is a lot of age to this 'new' leather and it must have been installed many years ago. Our restorer has stabilised and nourished the amazing looking leather and it is now ready for the next user and custodian.
Before purchasing please contact us to obtain a quote for home delivery by a trusted specialist courier. Alternatively you are welcome to collect your purchase from our premises in Ipswich, Suffolk.
SellerRocco Antiques
View all stock from
Rocco Antiques
Private dealer
By appointment only
Ipswich
Suffolk
Tel : 07402787460
Non UK callers : +44 7402787460
Art furniture makers William Fry & Co were based in Dublin, Ireland. The firm manufactured and supplied fine furniture and home decorations from 1853 to 1886. Although Fry & Co designed predominantly in the gothic style, some pieces of furniture like this writing desk, were produced in the popular taste of the Aesthetic Movement.
Christopher Dresser (one of the well known designers of this movement) worked on at least one design for William Fry's woven cotton and silk homeware fabrics range. For this reason we asked one the UK's experts on Arts and Crafts furniture for help to determine if this desk could have been designed by one of the big names of the Aesthetic Movement. This does not appear to be the case, it is likely to be a commercial piece, but what a piece of Aesthetic furniture!
The design is striking and beautiful at the same time. Ebonised wood is surrounded by the attractive patterns and colours in pieces of burr walnut. The wide black band around the leather worktop is finely carved with decorations such as scrolls and straight lines, dot patterns and many harebell flowers, all commonly associated with the Aesthetic Movement. More of this amazing carved detailing brought out by hand gilding is seen on the two drawer fronts and lids of the storage compartments as well as the legs of this Victorian desk.
Both drawers have a working lock and the key is supplied. To keep the work surface completely clutter free there are two generous storage compartments with lids. Ideal for keeping writing instruments and stationary dust free. Four elegantly turned legs fitted with their original castors make it easy to move the desk around if necessary. Another important feature of the piece is that it can be used freestanding as the back is just as beautiful as the front!
We particularly have to mention the inset leather writing surface, that due to a long life of use, has developed a unique look today. At some point the original leather top was replaced but a former owner must have really loved the embossed decorative border as this is still in place today. The replacement leather for the top was cut to fit inside the existing border hence the desk now features two embossed surrounds. There is a lot of age to this 'new' leather and it must have been installed many years ago. Our restorer has stabilised and nourished the amazing looking leather and it is now ready for the next user and custodian.
Before purchasing please contact us to obtain a quote for home delivery by a trusted specialist courier. Alternatively you are welcome to collect your purchase from our premises in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 27/MAR/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
DimensionsSize: Width 115cm (45.25 inches), Depth 55cm (21.5 inches), Height 72cm (28.25 inches)
Category Antique Furniture
Period Aesthetic Period Antiques
Material Ebonised
Origin Irish
Maker William Fryer
Condition Irish furniture makers are known for using some of the best materials available and their high quality workmanship and construction methods. This Aesthetic Movement writing desk is an example of a fine piece of Irish furniture that does not disappoint. One of the best furniture experts worked on the restoration of this unit and it is now in great condition. The desk came to us with a super attractive tired and worn out look. We did not want a brand new version, so a lot of work has gone into the preservation of this. Missing veneer was replaced and the misaligned legs needed extensive repair work. As mentioned the leather work surface has received a lot of care and attention too. The end result achieved by our professional restorer and his team is a masterclass in preserving the magical look of this piece of antique furniture. Yet the desk is fully functional again for the next hundred years!
Item code as1238a029 / RA-202455
Status For Sale
£2250.00 
$2916.68
€2700.68
$2916.68
€2700.68
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 27/MAR/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Terms and conditions
Terms Of Sale
We thank you very much for shopping with Rocco Antiques. Your support is very much appreciated, it means that we can continue to offer our customers a range of beautiful antiques and collectables.
We do our very best to describe our items with an accurate and detailed description. High quality photography accompanies all our listings. Due to the restrictions of this medium it is not always possible to represent the precise size, appearance or colours of a product fully.
The used and aged nature of antiques and vintage items means that it is not always possible to describe or photograph every imperfection, blemish, dent or scratch. The vast majority of our customers will know this and not expect to receive their antique in factory new condition. The worn look is a large part of the charm of buying old pieces after all.
We try to give the best information possible in our product descriptions. If known we provide details about the age, history, style, materials and of course the provenance of a piece. However Rocco Antiques cannot guarantee any of this information, it can only be given as a guide. By appointment we can provide the opportunity to view a piece in person.
As with all internet purchases we allow our customers 14 days to return any items. Unfortunately we are not able to contribute to the cost of returning your purchase. For returns we recommend that an insured and tracked delivery service is used by the customer.
Transportation damage caused by our delivery partner must be reported within 48 hours. We will do our utmost to help with an agreeable solution for the encountered issue. Please note that we cannot accept the worn and used condition of our antiques and collectables as a reason for reporting a damaged item.
If you have any problems, no matter how small, we will do our very best to find a solution for you. We pride ourselves on our customer service and want all our customers to be completely happy with their purchased goods and shopping experience.
We thank you very much for shopping with Rocco Antiques. Your support is very much appreciated, it means that we can continue to offer our customers a range of beautiful antiques and collectables.
We do our very best to describe our items with an accurate and detailed description. High quality photography accompanies all our listings. Due to the restrictions of this medium it is not always possible to represent the precise size, appearance or colours of a product fully.
The used and aged nature of antiques and vintage items means that it is not always possible to describe or photograph every imperfection, blemish, dent or scratch. The vast majority of our customers will know this and not expect to receive their antique in factory new condition. The worn look is a large part of the charm of buying old pieces after all.
We try to give the best information possible in our product descriptions. If known we provide details about the age, history, style, materials and of course the provenance of a piece. However Rocco Antiques cannot guarantee any of this information, it can only be given as a guide. By appointment we can provide the opportunity to view a piece in person.
As with all internet purchases we allow our customers 14 days to return any items. Unfortunately we are not able to contribute to the cost of returning your purchase. For returns we recommend that an insured and tracked delivery service is used by the customer.
Transportation damage caused by our delivery partner must be reported within 48 hours. We will do our utmost to help with an agreeable solution for the encountered issue. Please note that we cannot accept the worn and used condition of our antiques and collectables as a reason for reporting a damaged item.
If you have any problems, no matter how small, we will do our very best to find a solution for you. We pride ourselves on our customer service and want all our customers to be completely happy with their purchased goods and shopping experience.
View all stock from
Rocco Antiques
Private dealerBy appointment only
Ipswich
Suffolk
Tel : 07402787460
Non UK callers : +44 7402787460
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