Very rare regency English writing slope. Collecting these unique pieces can be a fun and rewarding pastime. These portable wood writing boxes were used widely in Victorian times and before. This particular example is made out of beautiful rosewood with wonderful patina. Its shoes an early owners mark on the top from 1824. That’s over 200 years old!
Simpler boxes of rosewood with mother of pearl circles and metal stringing were beginning to appear by the 1820s. This style continued to be made for a few decades, the veneers becoming thinner as the century progressed.
During the early part of the 19th century, vandyke and cube Tunbridge Ware, mahogany, yew, or fruitwood boxes with marquetry, stringing, crossbanding, or in combinations of woods were also made. These boxes are often unique, idiosyncratic and delightful with a character all of their own and very sought after by serious collectors.
Characteristics of early 19th century writing boxes:
1. Thick veneers of mahogany, kingwood, rosewood, occasionally yew or fruitwoods on mahogany base.
2. Brass inlay, fine lines or floral swags.
3. Fine mother of pearl inlay.
4. Marquetry of naturalistic, neo classical or geometric designs.
Regency Writing Slopes
The sloping writing boxes dating from this period changed very little in style from the late 18th century, although their arrangement was subtly modified so as to give more room for writing. The introduction of a narrow flap at the back part of the top which opened to reveal the pen and inkwell section, enabled the main flap to open downwards giving a larger writing surface.
As in the writing boxes, inlaid brass, mother of pearl and marquetry were used for decoration. In addition very fine examples of Chinnoiserie, Penwork and Tunbridge Ware slopes date from this period, although these are now few and far between.
Another kind of writing slope, which made its appearance in England at about this time, was in the Boulle style, in tortoiseshell and brass. These were mostly imported from France. The shapes of these slopes are elaborate versions of the wooden slopes. The back part is higher and often curved. The interiors are of polished rosewood, or ebonized wood. The flaps are velvet covered.