A number of these styles have been revived over and over, and still inspire reproductions in their likeness. Some also overlap in their descriptors. These include slant-fronts like the escritoire and fall-fronts like the butler’s desk, among a number of others. Developed in France, and associated with Louis XIV-style furniture, the Bureau Mazarin was usually quite ornate and lavishly adorned with Boulle marquetry. The name, which literally means “Mazarin’s desk” is a 19th-century term, referring to Cardinal Jules Mazarin, who ruled as Louis’ regent from 1642-1661 Dating from the late 18th century, and continuing in popularity for the next 100 years, this desk usually reflects predominant furniture styles of the period in details such as the feet or ornamentation. Sometimes referenced as a butler’s chest since, when closed, it resembles a chest of drawers. While fairly plain—as befitting a utilitarian piece of furniture—butler’s desks often had fashionable decorative details. Those made during the second half of the 19th century, for example, might have had a spindled galley typical of the popular Eastlake style. The legs on a Cheveret can be straight, saber style, or tapering, and are sometimes connected with a lower shelf as well. Though probably originating in France, Cheverets further developed in England in the latter half of the 18th century, representing the vogue for light, portable furniture. They continued to be popular into the Regency period, until the 1830s. The Davenport dates from the 1790s, developed by a British furniture-making firm named Gillows (also known as Gillow & Co.). Its name derives from the client it was made for, a Captain Davenport. Because of this military connection, and the desk’s compact size and multiple compartments, furniture historians theorize the piece was originally intended to be used on a ship, or on military campaigns. They are sometimes referenced, in fact, as a ship captain’s desk. However, the Davenport became popular on dry land in the 19th century, in homes throughout England and the United States. Originally a simple chest of drawers with a swivel top, it grew increasingly ornate, with pilasters or cabriole legs in front. It traditionally rests on bun feet, often with castors to make it portable from room to room. Developed in the early 18th century, the escritoire grew out of—and the term may still apply to—a writing box or small cabinet with a drop-front and drawers or shelves dating from the Middle Ages, most likely from Spain. Today collectors relish finding these marvelous pieces more as curiosities and conversation starters than for their usefulness.
