How do I care for the leather top on my desk?

Clean the leather surface gently with a damp cloth and neutral soap, avoiding excessive water. Nourish the hide periodically with an appropriate leather balm to prevent cracking. Keep the desk away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to preserve the colour and suppleness of the leather.

What is the difference between a partners desk and a pedestal desk?

A partners desk is built to be used from both sides, featuring drawers and cupboards facing in opposite directions. This allows two people to sit and work opposite each other. A standard pedestal desk has drawers on one side only and sits flush against a wall or within a room with the back panel exposed.

How can I tell if an oak desk is genuinely Victorian?

Examine the drawer construction for hand-cut dovetails and inspect the secondary timbers, such as oak or ash, used inside the drawers. Machine-cut joints and modern plywood indicate a later date. Look for signs of age in the timber shrinkage, wear patterns around the handles, and traditional finishing methods like shellac polish.