Anton Seuffert's Unique Writing Compendium

A desktop writing compendium of New Zealand native timbers by Anton Seuffert This unusual compendium (or escritoire, as it was called in colonial times) is not only a unique example of Anton Seuffert's craftsmanship, but is also historically significant. Of the over one hundred pieces of furniture and decorative inlaid items Anton and his son William are known to have produced, this is the only desk top compendium thought to exist. The clergy of Auckland commissioned the piece in 1870 for presentation to Archdeacon John Frederick Lloyd. He was a fellow of St. John's College, Auckland (1849-53), was the Vicar of St. Pauls, Auckland (1853-70) and Archdeacon of Waitemata (1865-70). While in Auckland. Archdeacon Lloyd established the Orphan's Home. In 1870, owing to impaired health, he returned to England and died there in 1875, only five years after his return. After his departure the compendium was made to order and forwarded when completed, by his admirers, as a token of their respect. The Auckland Evening Star of Monday April 25th 1870, printed a description of the presentation piece: 'One of the prettiest and most tasteful pieces of cabinet work that we have ever seen, is at present at Messrs. Upton's booksellers, Queen Street. It is an Escritoire, made to order for presentation to Archdeacon Lloyd form his late clergy. It is formed of New Zealand woods, totara mainly, inlaid rewa rewa, rimu and puriri with exquisite skill. Two folding doors open to receptacles for paper, envelopes, etc, with drawers and all conveniences. The back consists of one piece being a knot of totara wood, the grain of which is singularly beautiful, while the numberless small pieces of the other woods constituting the fronts and sides, curiously blending, produce a tout ensemble of chasteness, richness and taste that beggars description. As a specimen of what New Zealand has to show in the way of furniture woods and workmanship, and also as a memento of affection and a tribute to worth, the gift may be proudly shown in England by the Venerable Archdeacon. It bears the name of 'Seuffert of Elliot Street', as maker and on a silver shield in front, the inscription - 'To the Venerable John Frederic Lloyd, Archdeacon of Waitemata. A token of love and esteem, from the clergy of the Archdeaconry, on his leaving New Zealand, 7 Feb. 1870.' A report a few days later in the Southern Cross of 3rd May 1870, also describes the same cabinet: 'A beautifully finished Escritoire, made of New Zealand woods, is to be sent to the Venerable Archdeacon Lloyd, in England, from the clergy of the Archdeaconry. When we say that the escritoire is the work of Mr Seuffert, of this city, we say (in effect) that it is the most artistic piece of cabinet making and inlaying. The escritoire is in site only inferior to the works of Mr Seuffert which were presented to Sir George Gray and to the Bishop of Lichfield, (George Augustus Selwyn). The escritoire is of totara, the back part especially being finely veined, the base is of puriri, and for the inlaying, rewa rewa, rimu, black hearted maire and other woods are used. On the covers the inlaying consists of panels filled with variegated cubes, and on the front and at each end there is a profusion of the charming cable-like work which has been so much admired in previous productions by Mr Seuffert.' It would appear that this cabinet remained in England for over one hundred and thirty years until its recent return to New Zealand. Of interest is the parquetry 'variegated cubes' inlay on the covers, a design appearing on a number of significant Seuffert Louis XV escritoires manufactured up to 1870. The rewa rewa basket weave on the sides and lower front is another often repeated Seuffert pattern. Height 43 cm. Width 45 cm. Depth 35 cm