Writing Stand 1835 - 1870

This wooden writing stand was created by an anonymous artist. Writing stands like this one were commonly used throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, when gender and class largely determined who had the privilege of literacy. Standing at this desk we might reflect on who was afforded the luxury of a personal writing space. Was it a man of commerce, drafting letters to expand his empire? Or perhaps a woman of leisure, penning missives to friends while domestic staff handled the household chores? The small drawers hint at secrets, hidden thoughts, or maybe just quills and ink. Whether used for business or personal correspondence, this stand speaks volumes about a time when writing was a carefully cultivated skill, a tool for shaping not just words, but also one's place in the world. It makes one wonder, what untold stories have rested upon its surface?