Inspired!

That is what you will be sitting at this elegant, extraordinary, and unique antique writing desk with its matching chair.

Of beautiful warm wood, this desk shows the influence of the art nouveau period, an artistic movement from the 1890s through 1910s that looked to nature for inspiration and is exemplified by undulating lines.  Art nouveau was a reaction against staid academic art and the overdone and eclectic Victorian decor that jumbled together influences from disparate cultures and eras, from the Middle East to Gothic cathedrals. The term, meaning "New Art," was first used in the 1880s, but was popularized by the opening in 1895 of the Maison de l'Art Nouveau, an art gallery in Paris. Art nouveau furniture was influenced by the earlier British Arts and Crafts movement, which was also a rejection of overly ornate and imitative Victorian decor. As much as social as a decorative movement, Arts and Crafts denounced industrialization and the denigration of craftsmen, creating hand-crafted pieces of natural materials with form that fit function and understated decoration. 

The top of the desk is hinged and lifts up, revealing a place to store books and papers. Atop the desk is a carved penholder and a metal ink pot so that one's writing materials are always conveniently at hand for when inspiration strikes.

Both the chair and desk are adjustable, allowing for custom comfort while you write.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

8402-7665

Flower Power!

This treasure from our trove is a real blast from the past, a desk and dresser from the Drexel "Whimsy" line, introduced in 1969.

The flower-child inspired design features blossoms in bright yellows, red, and white against an orange background. Groovy!

Even the handles feature flowers.

Working at this delightful desk could almost make homework or paying bills fun. . . .

Each piece is stamped on the back "Whimsy - By - Drexel."

An advertisement from the time shows a bright bedroom decked out in this wonderful whimsical style. It assures the "Free Spirit" who wants her "Citadel" to "say something" with "zap" that this "flower-powered" furniture has a finish that will keep it as fresh as a daisy. The posy pun-filled ad promises that the furniture doesn't cost a "bunch" and invites customers to come see the "whole Blooming Thing."

Drexel Furniture Company was founded in 1903 in North Carolina. By 1950, it was a leading manufacturer in traditional and modern furniture, as well as furnishing for laboratories, dormitories,  hospitals, libraries, schools, hotels, and churches, with factories in North Carolina and South Carolina. However, in the 2010s, competition with overseas manufacturers began adversely affecting the American furniture industry and in 2018 Drexel filed for bankruptcy. The company was subsequently purchased by a Chinese-based furniture company.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

16277-37, 16277-38