Biedermeier

A style of furniture produced in Austria and Germany during the first half of the 19th century. Inspired by French Empire and German painted peasant work. The name was borrowed from an imaginary cartoon character called Papa Biedermeier, an uneducated country gentlemen who considered himself a connoisseur of fine and industrial arts. Simple marquetry patterns were used with pressed brass ornaments of Greek inspiration as well as painted motifs of wreaths, urns, and floral, animal and human forms. Woods used were mainly fruitwoods, maple, mahogany and birch.

Secretary desk

This furniture form can take on many styles, but generally consists of a writing desk with sets of drawers. Originally in the 18th Century, secretary desks in France were tall casepiece furniture with drawers at the bottom, a bookcase on top, and a desk with a drop-lid in the center. The style evolved in the 19th Century. Secretary desks were lighter with the lower compartment generally forgoing cabinets and taking on an appearance of a table, while the upper portion generally had a set of concealed drawers. These alterations in style made secretary desks in the 19th Century more commonplace in dressing rooms rather than libraries and were frequently decorated with ornate feminine mounting and considered luxury objects.

Birch

A popular hardwood for furniture and cabinet making. It is light brown to tan in color, has a close, straight grain, and is known for its strength, as well as its flexibility. It can be laminated into a highly flexible, yet strong, plywood.