The Duke and Duchess of Windsor - An Exquisite Ormolu and Églomisé Bureau Plat

A Timeless Masterpiece:

The Exquisite Bureau Plat of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

In the world of fine art and antiques, certain pieces transcend time, becoming symbols of opulence and refined taste. One such masterpiece is the Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Verre Églomisé Mirrored and Leather Lined Bureau Plat Desk, believed to be crafted by Maison Jansen around 1938, owned by the illustrious Duke and Duchess of Windsor. This extraordinary piece, later acquired by the fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger at a Sotheby’s auction in 1997 for an astounding $428,000 is not merely a furniture item but a testament to the convergence of art, history, and glamour.

The bureau plat, with its Louis XV style, reflects the height of French Rococo elegance. Known for its sinuous curves, ornate gilt-bronze mounts, and delicate form, this style epitomizes the grandeur of 18th-century French design. The craftsmanship on display is a tribute to the skills of the artisans of Maison Jansen, a renowned Parisian design firm synonymous with luxury and sophistication.

What sets this particular bureau plat apart is its incorporation of verre églomisé—a technique involving the application of gold or metal leaf to the reverse side of glass. This artful detailing, combined with mirrored surfaces and leather lining, creates a dazzling interplay of light and texture. The result is a piece that not only serves a functional purpose but also serves as an objet d’art, captivating the observer with its exquisite detailing.

The provenance of this bureau plat adds an extra layer of allure. Once in the possession of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, whose names are synonymous with romance, luxury, and a hint of scandal, the piece becomes a tangible connection to a bygone era. The Duke’s abdication in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite, captivated the world, and their lavish lifestyle, punctuated by opulent possessions like this bureau plat, became the stuff of legend.

Fast forward to 1997 when fashion luminary Tommy Hilfiger secured this masterpiece at a Sotheby’s auction for an impressive $428,000. Hilfiger’s acquisition not only showcases his appreciation for timeless elegance but also underscores the bureau plat’s enduring appeal and investment value. It serves as a poignant reminder that fine art and antiques are not merely artifacts of the past but living treasures that continue to captivate and inspire.

This desk formerly stood in the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s Salon at 24 Boulevard Suchet, Paris, and appears in the Serebriakov painting of the room.

Please contact us for pricing details and further information on this extraordinary offering.

31? high x 61? wide x 36? deep

Condition: The brown leather writing surface overall with some scratches and dents consistent with age and use. The gilt bronze mounts with some overall slight rubbing. The left back leg with missing piece of glass. A small piece of glass is missing at the right side. Overall a highly attractive desk.