The tambour curtain is composed of thin vertical strips of mahogany, which is backed onto canvas that can slide open a space for drawers and pigeon holes. The most sophisticated of these tambour curtains have satinwood swags integrated into the vertical strips of mahogany creating a swag motif. This is just another touch showing Seymour’s virtuosity.
This desk is one of those with all the bells and whistles. Decorative inlay starts at the top edge board. The tambour is then supported by contrasting line inlaid columns. The edge of the writing flap is also inlaid as are the supporting legs and feet with bellflower inlay. The drawers have satinwood edge banding with ebony. The drawers also have ivory keyholes typical of Seymour.
This little treasure was one of two almost identical pieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The museum decided to deaccession one of these 17 years ago through Northeast Auctions. This auction house, aside from Skinner’s, was one of the top auction houses where great pieces from time to time come around.
The base of these small desks came in a two or three drawer arrangement. A desk with a two drawer arrangement is illustrated in American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, vol.3 p.684. Please see our images above.
At this time, I was beginning to acquire a number of Seymour pieces, simply because they were so artfully inspired and a feast for the eye. They inspired beauty in a room setting of the best that was coming out of New England. A great collection of Classical furniture is built on the best examples and more than one example of Seymour’s work …and I was well on my way with this desk.
Provenance: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Illustrated: Related examples appear in Mussey, Robert D., The Furniture Masterworks of John and Thomas Seymour, pps.142 and 157.
Height: 41 in. Length: 36 in. Depth: 18 1/2 in.
Revised Aug 23, 2025, 11:20 AM