How do you clean the wood inside?

Use a soft dry cloth to remove loose dust from the pigeonholes. A small natural bristle brush works well for the tight corners of the interior. Avoid liquid cleaners or polishes. The hide glue holding the small mouldings and veneers in place reacts badly to moisture.

My grandfather had one of these and the flap keeps falling down because the wooden sliders are stuck inside. Can I pull them out with pliers?

Forcing the lopers with pliers will crush the old timber. They usually jam because the carcase wood has moved over time or dirt has built up in the channels. Try applying a little candle wax to the visible part of the runner. If they remain stuck, a restorer will need to remove the backboards to push them out from behind.

Do the locks ever still work?

Many of them do. Early cabinetmakers used heavy brass locks designed for heavy use. Don't force a stuck mechanism. Replacement keys are difficult to cut for these early locks.

I read somewhere that sunlight is bad for old furniture so should I keep this away from the window even if it makes the room look dark?

Direct sunlight bleaches historic timbers quite fast. The dyed woods used in the floral panels are particularly sensitive and will fade to a flat brown if left in the sun. Ultraviolet light also breaks down the old finishes. Placing the desk on an interior wall preserves the contrast in the pattern and protects the carcase from temperature swings near the glass. If you must keep it near a window, close the blinds during the brightest part of the day.

Home > Bureau > Marquetry Bureau > Page 3

Victorian Marquetry Bureau

← Page 3 of 3 →

An antique marquetry bureau is a slant-front writing desk heavily decorated with intricate veneers cut into floral or geometric patterns, designed both to secure household correspondence and display a family's wealth.