Historic Interest - Mid Century Desk & Chair from 11 Downing...

Estimate

£250 - £350

Historic Interest - Mid Century Desk & Chair from 11 Downing Street, c1950's. Twin pedestal teak and birch ply partner's desk with laminate inset top. Three drawers to front right-hand side pedestal, cupboard to left pedestal and similar cupboards to both pedestals on other side. Maker ink stamped 'Waring & Gillows' to pedestals and underside of top. Each pedestal impressed 'Ch of Ex Planning Office, W&D, AM61'. With locking keys. Chair with lime & dark green leather back and green fabric seat. Set on atomic style beech legs, one stamped 'W&D'. W 137cm, D 82cm, H 73cm. kneehole H 60cm; Chair: W 56cm, D 59cm, H 75cm, seat H 49cm. Background: Number 10 & 11 Downing St were fully refurbished and modernised in 1963 at a cost of £2.5 million, this desk furniture and the associated filing cabinet being offered in another lot were rescued at the time by a former employee. Historically the Ministry of Works supplied Whitehall with office furniture and Waring & Gillows most likely had the contract. The desk would have been used by a senior Civil Servant as juniors were only permitted a single pedestal.