Terms and conditions of use
Augustus Welby Northmore PUGIN (designer), E. W. PUGIN (designer), CRACE & SONS, London (manufacturer)
Writing table
(c. 1855)
Medium
satinwood, ebony, hardwood, gilt, painted wood, brass
Measurements
(a-c) 76.3 × 152.6 × 98.0 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1980
Gallery location
18th & 19th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
This writing table has gilded-and-pierced carved Gothic tracery on the legs with floral marquetry inlay on the surface. These decorative effects, derived from medieval cathedral architecture, demonstrate how Pugin adapted the architectural ornament of the medieval Gothic style to create furniture and household objects. Pugin believed that ornament should be integral to a design and never just be applied, as the tables carved and pierced legs demonstrate.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
London, England
Accession Number
D19.a-c-1980
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Rectangular, eight-sided table. Top has inlaid border with stylised foliate marquetry in various woods. Two long drawers. Carved gilt panels on uprights.