- Makers Challenge 2023
- Apollo Desk
Apollo Desk
WT
William Thomas
Updated
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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.
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.