What is a writing bureau and when did slant-front designs originate?

A writing bureau is a compact desk featuring a sloping hinged lid that opens to reveal internal compartments and a flat writing surface. Originating in Europe during the late seventeenth century, this design became a staple of British studies and libraries throughout the eighteenth and twentieth centuries.

What materials and construction methods are traditional for oak bureaux?

Traditional oak bureaux are constructed from solid oak wood, often featuring mortise and tenon joints along with hand-cut dovetails on the internal drawers. Supporting structures frequently utilize turned legs, stretchers for structural stability, and pull-out wooden lopers to hold the open flap.

How can you identify authentic antique or vintage oak bureaux?

Authenticity is indicated by marks of traditional craftsmanship, such as irregular dovetails on drawer casings, natural wood oxidation, and hand-turned wooden or cast brass fittings. Wear around keyholes, along lower leg stretchers, and on the writing flap hinges also highlights genuine age.

How do you style a dark oak bureau in a contemporary interior?

Integrate a dark oak bureau into a modern home by pairing it with neutral wall colours, minimalist brass lighting, and contemporary artwork mounted above. Utilising it as a compact home office workstation or entry console balances historic texture with modern functionality.

What is the correct way to maintain and preserve an antique oak bureau?

Maintain the timber finish by dusting regularly with a clean, dry cloth and applying a clear beeswax polish once or twice per year in the direction of the grain. Avoid placing the furniture near direct heat sources or intense sunlight to prevent cracking and timber shrinkage.

for sale €684 $743

£585

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Id #SA1227869

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Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Name: Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1227869
Price: 585 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century fine quality oak bureau, a beautifully crafted piece that offers a wonderful balance of elegance and practicality. Very well made and of good quality, this bureau displays excellent craftsmanship throughout and is perfectly suited to a study, living room or hallway.

The fall-front opens to reveal a neatly fitted interior, thoughtfully arranged to provide a practical writing area with useful compartments for organising letters and stationery. The bureau retains its original key, while below are two spacious drawers, each fitted with their original oak knob handles, providing additional storage for everyday essentials.

Raised on elegantly turned legs united by a sturdy supporting stretcher, the bureau has a graceful yet robust appearance. The carved detailing adds subtle decoration, complementing the gorgeous grain and rich, warm colour of the oak, which has matured beautifully over time.

Every aspect of the piece reflects the quality of its construction and timeless design.

Presented in good condition, this highly desirable bureau is both decorative and functional. A fine example of 20th century oak furniture, it would make a charming and practical addition to any home and is sure to be appreciated for many years to come.

Product Reference : AF - 6153

Measurements : 69cm Width x 46cm Depth x 103.5cm Height [ 74cm Desk Height ]

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Every order is professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to dispatch or collection.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

All goods will be professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to your arrival.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

103.5cm (40.75")

Width

69cm (27.17")

Depth

46cm (18.11")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Antique Oak Writing Bureau to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1227869

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6153

Description

Antique 20th century fine quality oak bureau, a beautifully crafted piece that offers a wonderful balance of elegance and practicality.

“

Very well made and of good quality, this bureau displays excellent craftsmanship throughout and is perfectly suited to a study, living room or hallway.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

The fall-front opens to reveal a neatly fitted interior, thoughtfully arranged to provide a practical writing area with useful compartments for organising letters and stationery. The bureau retains its original key, while below are two spacious drawers, each fitted with their original oak knob handles, providing additional storage for everyday essentials.

fig 2. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Raised on elegantly turned legs united by a sturdy supporting stretcher, the bureau has a graceful yet robust appearance. The carved detailing adds subtle decoration, complementing the gorgeous grain and rich, warm colour of the oak, which has matured beautifully over time.

fig 3. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Every aspect of the piece reflects the quality of its construction and timeless design.

Presented in good condition, this highly desirable bureau is both decorative and functional. A fine example of 20th century oak furniture, it would make a charming and practical addition to any home and is sure to be appreciated for many years to come.

fig 4. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Product Reference : AF - 6153

Measurements : 69cm Width x 46cm Depth x 103.5cm Height [ 74cm Desk Height ]

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

fig 5. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Every order is professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to dispatch or collection.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

fig 6. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

fig 7. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 7. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

fig 8. A dark oak antique bureau featuring a slanted drop-front lid above two drawers, supported by turned legs and stretchers. — fig 8. Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Bureau in Oak

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.