Writing Table

A writing table commissioned by Henry, 7th Viscount Irwin, for the newly-created Library at Temple Newsam House.

Made from mahogany, the writing table is of break-sided design. Its rectangular, leather-lined top is enriched with a tooled and gilt border. The top, the drawer divisions, the kneehole and the end roundels are ornamented with ribbon-and-rosette mouldings and the frieze is edged with acanthus carving.

The writing table is attributed to William Hallett, London, for two reasons. First, because of its affinities with the only known piece of furniture signed by Hallett, and secondly because Arthur, Viscount Irwin of Temple Newsam, is Hallett’s earliest recorded patron, having purchased a number of pieces from the firm for his London house in 1735.

The richly styled Library at Temple Newsam was created by York craftsmen in 1744-5. The table is recorded in the Library in an inventory of 1808 and came by descent to the Earl of Halifax, who sold it in 1930. It was bought with the aid of a contribution from the LAF in 1987.