What periods do these pieces date from?

The items generally date from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, capturing the height of the design movement. Most examples recorded here originate specifically from the 1930s. Production during these decades involved both English and French workshops, each bringing distinct regional interpretations to the furniture forms.

How do I identify burr walnut?

Burr walnut is recognizable by its dense, swirling patterns and clustered knot formations across the wooden surface. Makers utilised this timber as a veneer to create decorative focal points on tables and cabinets. The irregular grain contrasts with straight-grained walnut timber, often laid out in symmetrical book-matched designs.

Where were these pieces used originally?

These items served functional roles in homes and offices, appearing as desks in studies, bedside cabinets in bedrooms, and console tables in hallways. Dining suites and dressing tables also formed part of domestic interiors. The variety of forms reflects the widespread adoption of the style across different domestic spaces.

What other materials accompany the walnut?

Makers frequently paired walnut and burr walnut with glass, brass, metal and leather. These materials appeared as desk inserts, tabletop surfaces, handles and structural framing. The combination of wood with contrasting textures contributed to the overall aesthetic of the period.