DESK, WOODEN WITH TWO DRAWERS
1899Wooden desk; two drawers, brass handles inset into both.
Each drawer has a separate locking mechanism set into it above the handles.
A drawer resides each side of the sitting area, under the desktop.
The top of the desk has a metal inkwell, and a gavel rest affixed and forward of the sitting position.
The desk has two turned legs, each situated to the outer edge of the desk beside each of the drawers.
The bulk of the desk rests upon solid wood (from desk top to floor area) which have rectangular/portrait wood insets.
There is a small fence-like structure surmounting the top of the desk on the sides and front (edge) built of wooden spindles topped with routed wood to finish it off.
The desk appears to have been stained a reddish colour.
(photos show desk following restoration in 2018)
"This desk was made to the illustrated working drawing by Arthur Burgess in 1899; it was originally designed for the mayor of Toodyay and situated within the council room chambers. (ref: p.337 Colonial Furniture of Western Australia 1829-1910 by Timothy Harris)
Details
Details
The building which housed the Newcastle Council Chambers was erected in 1899 and later extended. Today it is known as the Toodyay Memorial Hall.
"The panelled front and sides [of the desk] are unusual as it also has two turned legs like a conventional desk; the timber is cedar."
(ref: p.337 Colonial Furniture of Western Australia 1829-1910 by Timothy Harris)
(The working drawings are held in the Shire of Toodyay's museum collection, accession number 2006.5)
Historic:
