CARLTON HOUSE TABLE

elegant writing table, normally in mahogany or satinwood, characterized by a superstructure of drawers and pigeonholes running along the back and curving around the sides of the top, leaving clear only the side nearest the sitter. The curve of the superstructure is emphasized by small concave cupboard doors, but the sides are commonly stepped or curved down toward the front. A brass gallery runs around the outer edge of the superstructure. Introduced in the 1780s, the Carlton House table has been made in various forms ever since. It was named after the London home of the prince of Wales, for whom the first one was made.