Antique Writing Desks

A specialist collection of antique writing desks and bureaux personally sourced and hand-picked by three generations of the Hawkins family since 1960. Browse elegant French kingwood bureau de dames and bonheur du jour writing cabinets with ormolu mounts, Edwardian satinwood painted writing tables, Georgian mahogany bureau bookcases, and antique writing tables — each piece individually selected from our Barry, South Wales showroom. Every antique writing desk for sale in our collection combines practical everyday function with exceptional craftsmanship, and comes with free UK mainland delivery.

Our antique writing desks range from compact bonheur du jour cabinets — the elegant ladies' writing desk of the 18th and 19th centuries, typically French in origin with fitted interiors, ormolu mounts, and Vernis Martin or kingwood veneers — through to substantial Georgian mahogany bureau bookcases with fitted interiors, pigeonholes, and secret drawers. We also carry Edwardian satinwood painted writing tables, Victorian cylinder desks, elegant bureau plats in the French manner, and the occasional Victorian writing desk. Whether you are searching for a Georgian writing desk or a decorative French example, our collection changes regularly.

Many buyers are specifically looking for an antique writing desk with drawers, combining useful storage with a practical writing surface. We also stock examples of the traditional antique bureau desk, a timeless form that combines writing, organisation, and display within a single piece.

If you are looking to buy an antique writing desk in the UK, you are purchasing directly from specialists with three generations of hands-on expertise. Our collection includes pieces sought after by collectors, interior designers, and buyers searching for a quality antique writing desk UK customers can purchase with confidence. We describe condition accurately — veneer stability, fitted interior completeness, hardware originality, and any restoration clearly stated. White-glove personal delivery is included to the UK mainland, and we are happy to hold items securely after payment.

Cannot find the right piece? We actively source antique writing desks for sale and bureaux on behalf of clients — tell us your period preference, approximate dimensions, and budget, and we will keep an eye out at auctions, fairs, and private sales.

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Why Collectors Choose Hawkins Antiques

Three generations of expertise, carefully sourcing and delivering exceptional British and French antique furniture since 1960.

Established 1960

Over 60 years of specialist antique furniture trading.

Three Generations

Family-run expertise passed down through three generations.

Hand Selected Inventory

Every piece personally sourced, inspected and honestly described.

Free UK Mainland Delivery

Free UK mainland delivery. Worldwide shipping available.

7,000 sq ft Showroom

Over 7,000 sq ft of British and French antique furniture.

Recently Sold Through Hawkins Antiques

Hundreds Of Pieces Sold During The Last 12 Months

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We actively source antique furniture throughout the UK and Europe on behalf of collectors, interior designers and private clients.


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Antique Edwardian Satinwood Painted Display Cabinet Bow Front Vitrine Glass Cabinet — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales
Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Vitrine Cabinet With Ormolu Mounts C.1880 — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales
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Edwardian Satinwood Cabinet On Stand With Painted Decoration - Hawkins Antiques
Antique French Vernis Martin Bombe Cabinet with Marble Top & Ormolu Mounts, c.1900 — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales
Antique Art Nouveau Mahogany Display Cabinet with Inlay & Leaded Glass, c.1900 — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales
Antique French Vernis Martin Marble Top Secretaire Cabinet with Hidden Drawer, c.1890 — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales

Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Furniture

What types of antique furniture do you sell?

We specialise in British and French antique furniture including sideboards, display cabinets, dining tables, bookcases, desks, wardrobes, mirrors, seating and decorative pieces dating from the Georgian period through to the early twentieth century.

Do you offer delivery throughout the UK?

Yes. Every item includes free UK mainland delivery. All pieces are professionally wrapped, insured and delivered by experienced furniture couriers.

Can antique furniture be used every day?

Absolutely. Much antique furniture was originally built for daily use and remains remarkably durable today. Properly maintained Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture can continue to serve households for generations.

How do I know antique furniture is genuine?

Every piece we sell is carefully inspected and researched. Where known, maker attributions, provenance and restoration history are clearly stated. Any repairs or alterations are honestly disclosed within our descriptions.

Do you source antique furniture for clients?

Yes. If you cannot find the right piece within our current collection, we can source antique furniture on your behalf through our network of auction houses, private collections, trade contacts and antique fairs throughout the UK and Europe.

Can I visit your showroom?

Yes. Our Barry showroom houses over 7,000 square feet of antique furniture. Visits are welcome by appointment and allow you to inspect pieces before purchase.

What periods of antique furniture do you specialise in?

Our stock primarily focuses on Georgian, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and French period furniture, with particular strength in mahogany, rosewood, walnut, kingwood, satinwood and ormolu-mounted pieces.

Why buy from Hawkins Antiques?

Established in 1960, Hawkins Antiques is a third-generation family business specialising exclusively in antique furniture. Every piece is personally selected, professionally photographed, honestly described and backed by decades of expertise.