This Irish Desk was made by James Hicks of Dublin (1866-1936) and is in very good condition. This Pedestal Desk which is of inverted breakfront outline has a superb patina and a rare Irish Desk which I was lucky to locate here in Dublin. The piece is stamped by Hicks and the pictures here cannot do justice to this beautiful piece of Irish History. The shaped top with tooled leather inset above a frieze drawer, flanked on each side with four long drawers with brass drop handles between reeded angles on platform base. The Desk dates to Circa 1910 and the rear has unusual detail reflecting the front drawers arrangement.
Height 29.5" (75cm) Width 57" (145cm) Depth 31.5" (80cm)
Item Sold
James Hicks (1866-1936)
The work of James Hicks, from Dublin, is the antithesis of modernism. Renowned for his use of exotic woods, astounding marquetry and a profound interest with Chippendale, Adams and Sheraton styles, Hicks opened his workshop in 1894. Worldwide royal patronage followed and the firm won many famous commissions.
Early furniture reflected the 18th century Palladian style featuring decorative shells, acanthus leaves, laurel swags, and heavyset cabriole legs. Later work was classical in style and refined.
Hicks won many awards - notably the Aonach Tailteann in 1928. This satinwood display cabinet won a silver medal at the Royal Dublin Society Spring show in 1934, and the satinwood table dating 1929 was one of several pieces, which represented Ireland’s craftsmanship at the New York World Trade Fair in 1939. The President and Chairman of the fair sent a certificate to the Hick’s firm conveying their appreciation of the substantial contribution which Hick’s exhibit had made towards the success of the fair. Hick sadly died in 1936, never gaining the opportunity to receive this accolade in person.