This is a Custom Studio-Made Desk in American black walnut, attributed to American craftsman and artist Wharton Esherick. Esherick is widely recognized as a leader of the Studio Furniture movement. He was based in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and worked primarily in wood to create furniture, interiors, and buildings. This example dates to the 1960s and beautifully exemplifies his mission to incorporate art and function. He chose a large slab of figural walnut for the top surface, and he formed the base from pieces of walnut that were sculpted into modern forms. Esherick insisted that he was an artist rather than a craftsman, though this piece surely blurs the line between art and craft.

This desk measures 38.5 inches deep, 57.75 inches wide, and 31 inches high. The wood has aged beautifully, and it shows a lovely patina throughout. It has several white marks on the legs of the table, and there are surface blemishes on the tabletop. Overall, this important piece is in good condition. Please see photos.

As it relates to provenance, this piece is unmarked. What we know about it is that it came from an estate in the same region as where Wharton worked. We've been in touch with numerous folks at the Esherick museum who have clarified two things. First, they are a non-profit and do not authenticate works as part of their operations. Second, they could not rule this out as an Esherick piece, but also did not have specific photos from recollection that they could find of this exact table. The detailing, materials, and techniques used to craft it are consistent with his work. The table was recently restored by a master woodworker, who was in touch with the Esherick museum about preservation and finishes. He was instructed to address the obvious issues such as the boards splitting at their joints without removing material or achieving perfection. The result is as we'd hoped. The original finish was showing its age and the base slab and top slabs were splitting where they were glued-up. This was addressed lovingly. We can share photos of its prior condition if desired.