Office Desks: Today and Once Upon a Time

Today, South Africa’s Quantum Office Furniture is one of the country’s leading suppliers of state-of-the-art office desks, furniture, accessories, and appointments that enhance the optimal and attractive function of the modern workplace. However, we would be remiss if we did not share some of the insights pertaining to the origins and development of our products, forerunners of today’s workplace requirements.

When one thinks of office desks and the likely origins of their use, their history, and how and to what extent they have evolved over the span of a few centuries, the image of dark, solid, heavy wooden pieces of furniture invariably come up.

Old-Fashioned Chunky Workplace Furnishings

We have discussed these chunky, old-fashioned, often cumbersome, and space-consuming desks in a few of our previous articles. It is highly likely that you envision a large, significant piece when you think of yesteryear’s pre-eminent workplace feature, which one seldom finds in an average-sized work area nowadays. Rarity and size confines most of them to palatial or historic mansions, antique shops, and museums.

The Opposite End of the Size Spectrum

However, you may never have encountered this next version of “once upon a time’s” popular office desk used by affluent persons who could afford to spend months or years away from home to see the world and other countries.

You may have come across these pieces if you periodically browse through stores that specialise in antique pieces, or museums. Nevertheless, we would like to take you to the opposite end of the size spectrum by introducing a completely different, rather rare office desk model of which you may currently be unaware of.

It is also an antique version of office desks, which typically dates back to the 17^th and 18^th centuries, when this handmade, handsome item became a must-have, very fashionable travel accessory for educated males and females on the move, as it were.

Unique Features and Characteristics

However, this version boasts several features that make this office desk completely different and unique:

It is known by a few names, which vary according to the country of origin and the era in which it was produced. It may have a variety of adjectives that precede “desk”, such as “portable writing –”, “lap – “, “sloping – “, or “travel – “.
This little office desk is portable. Since no dyed-in-the-wool gentleman or lady deemed it fit to be seen carrying their own luggage, this little number would have been handled and carried by a valet, lady’s maid, or porter.
Small, compact, and lockable – about the size of a smallish briefcase and usually fitted with a brass lock, accompanied by its tiny brass key. Confidentiality in all matters was paramount. This included all types of documents and correspondence.
This compact portable piece features a hinged lid that folds out to reveal a sloped writing surface, ideally angled for writing.
Storage spaces for blotting paper, bottle ink, writing instruments, and other sundry stationery was provided by small, pigeonhole type inserts in the base of the box, keeping everything stowed neatly in its place, ready for the next writing session.
Some models also featured a drawer, concealed in the base. A concealed catch would reveal the drawer, as it slid open outwards upon activation of the relevant mechanism.
It was designed to provide a convenient surface upon which to place sheets of paper, a writing pad, or a book. The gentle slope was perfect for writing letters and reports, keeping records and conducting sundry correspondence comfortably, whilst a gentleman was off on his travels – aboard a ship, in a carriage, or simply away from his usual office desk.
Soon, ladies’ versions were also produced. Genteel women likewise took to taking in the sights, attractions, and curiosities of the world beyond their homes, remaining eager to stay in contact with family and friends.

Utilising office desks indicated that one was literate, educated, of high status, and rather affluent. As increasing numbers of people became educated, the use and production of the portable, sloping version lost popularity by the late, post Victorian era, hence the comparative rarity of these innovative pieces today.

We do not supply antique portable office desks, but we do offer desks that are a lot better, for every customer. For help with planning, design, and guided selection, as well as delivery and installation of stunning pieces, within your budget, contact us at Quantum Office Furniture to see what we can do for you and your workspace.

Past & Current Office Desks How we can add value to your office space