Newport Desk

This Chippendale writing desk was based on a card table built by John Goddard in Newport, RI, in 1760. The original card table is shown in Michael Moses' book The Master Craftsmen of Newport, p. 231. My customer was interested in a writing desk that was built in the style of a Newport piece but would function in a modern house as a desk, occasional table or even a computer table.

Similar to the original card table upon which the design is based, the writing surface is hinged at the back allowing it to be lifted for access to a storage well. The ball and claw feet on the front legs are carved in the highly stylized Newport fashion with the open talon claws and undercut ball. The front knees are also carved with a traditional Newport style carving.