Called Jefferson Boxes in America, the writing box was a staple piece of furniture of the wealthy in Georgian and Victorian Britain.
During the middle-ages, when the vast majority of the population of Britain was illiterate, there was little need for a specific piece of furniture for writing or reading. Only the monks, who laboured away copying and recopying holy books and stories had pulpit like writing tables. However, as the middle-ages drew to a close, both literacy and leisure-time increased among the wealthy classes.
By the dawn of the Georgian age, letter writing had become popular among the upper-classes and was often used as a means to spread political discourse. Stories were written in letter form, and many letters were printed in magazine and newspaper like publications. To aid in this new activity, a new piece of furniture became popular. The writing box, or portable writing desk, was a hinged rectangular box that when unfolded provided a continuous slope upon which to write. It also normally contained an area where quills, ink-bottles, and paper could be stored. At this time most houses contained little fixed furniture. With fire still the only source of artificial heat and light, it was often necessary to move around the house chasing the warmth and sunlight. A portable desk made this easier.
As the Georgian Era gave way to the Victorian Era, writing boxes saw their popularity grow by leaps and bounds. Literacy continued to grow. The postal service improved dramatically while prices plummeted. Also, travelling within the country and overseas became more common. Prices of the boxes dropped while their complexity increased. Boxes often contained secret compartments were little items of value could be stowed.
Writers such as Sir Walter Scott, Alexander Pope, Jane Austin, and the Bronte sisters all used writing boxes, as did Sir Admiral Lord Nelson. In fact, a portable writing desk was deemed essential for any travelling military officer. In America, the most famous writing box user was Thomas Jefferson, and thus writing boxes became known as Jefferson boxes in America.
By the end of the Victorian era, the popularity of writing boxes began to wane. The rise of the train made transportation quick enough that short trips could be taken and packing could be lighter. At the same time, gas heating and lighting made fixed furnishings more common. Full-sized desks became common household features.
Today, some of the spirit of the writing box lives on in the laptop computer. However, gone is the beautiful craftsmanship of the wood boxes. Writing boxes are not manufactured anymore, but they were produced in such numbers in the past that many survive and can be found in various antique stores. A nice writing box will cost you in the area of £200-£400.
Primary information for this article obtained from Portable Writing Desks by David Harris, Shire Publications, 2001.
