The form and quality of cabinet work exhibited on this desk are typical of that of the St. Martin's Lane syndicate of cabinet-makers whose output is epitomised by the leading 18th century furniture designer and manufacturer Thomas Chippendale. Its configuration, handles and dimensions are similar to those on a library table supplied to William, 5th Earl of Dumfries for Dumfries House, Ayrshire, circa 1759. The pierced gilt-brass rococo handles are a variant of the rococo design frequently used by Chippendale and his contemporaries, although it is unclear whether these were typically sub-contracted to outside suppliers such as William Brent who was based in St. Martin's Lane. Closely related handles can also be seen on a documented Chippendale commode supplied to Goldsborough Hall.

Thomas Chippendale's account, on 5 May 1759, describes the Dumfries House desk as: 'a Mahogany Library-Table of very fine wood the top cover'd wt. best black leather, a Writing drawer at one End wt. a double rising slider cover'd, & drawers & Cupboards in the sides & strong triple castors £22 --'.

A related desk, without the carved moulded edges and detailed beading on the drawers,  was sold Christies London, Important English Furniture, 3 July 1997, lot 50 (£139,000)

Mallett, Annual Catalogue 1999, p. 26 (illustrated)
L. Synge, Mallett Millennium, 1999, p, 21, fig .11 (illustrated)

For comparative references:
Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Works of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, 2 vols., vol. II, p. 236, figs. 431 and 432
Ronald Phillips Ltd., The Legacy of Thomas Chippendale, 2018, pp. 104 -111