Minneapolis Institute of Art

Lady's writing desk

Designer: Mervyn E. Macartney; W. Hall; Manufacturer: Kenton & Co.

Date

1891

Medium

Mahogany, Macassar ebony, ivory, brass

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This desk's coquettish form, petite proportions, and exotic materials were inspired by a type of 18th century French writing desk known as bonheur du jour . The term means happiness of the day, suggesting the intense pleasure these desks provided Europe's fashionable elite. This desk bears three stamps: Kenton and Co Ld, for the firm that produced it; W.Hall, for the man who actually crafted it, and MEC, for Mervyn Macartney, the designer. Macartney was one of four prominent architects and designers who founded Kenton & Co. The two Arts and Crafts exhibitions Kenton organized in 1891 and 1892 substantially broadened its influence. Macartney included this desk in the first exhibition, where the press praised its elegance of line and solid workmanship and declared it exquisite in every respect. England

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