Desk, Writing

Description
A transportable writing desk. The wooden desk is covered black leather, with a brass handle in the centre of the lid. A small brass key is attached to the handle by string, which unlocks the top of the desk. The lid opens to reveal two ink dip pens, an ink bottle and the writing surface. The writing surface folds out to reveal a small open space. The inside of the lid has another writing surface which has ink stains on the blotting paper.
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Object detail

Subject person
Classification
Personal Gear/Personal Artifacts
Credit line
This writing desk belonged to Sydney George Smith, who was an MP for Taranaki, then New Plymouth, as well as Minister for Education. Sydney's father was Edward Metcalf Smith, also a member of Parliament in Taranaki. Sydney worked on the railways for 20 years. His first tenure as the MP for Taranaki was in 1918, and was minister for Labour and Minister for Mines under the United Government between 1920 and 1931, and Minister of Education from 1934 to 1935.

Sydney used this writing desk to catch up on correspondence while he was on the train going between New Plymouth and Wellington.
Accession number
PA2015.009
Collection type
Social History
Material
Leather
Wood
Brass
Metal
Paper
Glass
Bone

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Public comments

The inside of the lid has blotting paper which shows ink stains and blotted copies of words.

- Stephanie Santaana posted 6 years ago.

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