Davenport desk

Lifting the desktop accesses a large compartment with storage space for paper and other writing implements, and smaller spaces in the forms of small drawers and pigeonholes.

This stack of side drawers holds up the back of the desk and most of its weight.

This desk owes its name to a Captain Davenport who was the first to commission the design, from Gillows of Lancaster, near the end of the 18th century.

In a sense then it could also be considered a campaign desk though there are no records indicating if Captain Davenport was in the British Army or the Royal Navy.

There have been numerous reproductions during the 20th century, and amateur cabinetmakers sometimes consider a Davenport to be an interesting project.