Please enter your email address to view the current issue.

Member Gallery

Makers Challenge Filter

Apollo Desk

WT Updated
MakersChall-Thomas.01
MakersChall-Thomas.02
MakersChall-Thomas.03
MakersChall-Thomas.04
MakersChall-Thomas.05
IMG_4725
IMG_8934
IMG_0525

Makers Challenge

Maker
William Thomas
Entry Number
23.
Entry Category
Expert
I was a student of Phil's at the North Bennett Street Industrial School (when that was still the school's name) in 1978-79.

This piece is my interpretation of David Roentgen's "Apollo Desk", which was built for Catherine The Great of Russia in the 1780s.

My desk is currently unfinished. The structure of the desk is made of white oak with crotch mahogany veneer surfaces. Other woods include mahogany, East Indian rosewood, satinwood, holly, bubinga, padauk, and wenge.

The desk has several hidden compartments and drawers, operated by secret levers, springs, and weights. The writing surface is covered with a parquetry design featuring Penrose triangles surrounding hexagons. There is a music box which activates when the central cabinets change.

Yet to come is the cornice which will feature a complex stand up writing slide. I am currently building the structure for that part.