Nicholas’ Vintage Writing Slope

This project was made as a Christmas present for my sister-in-law who is a journalist. It was inspired by some c.1820’s writing slopes that I had researched.

It is made from Sapele Mahogany. The top is veneered with Waterfall Bubinga and the writing surface is leather. When finished properly, the waterfall bubinga really looks like flowing water. It is probably one of the most beautiful woods out there and I try to use it whenever I can. This piece was hand-rubbed with a couple of coats of oil, and then polished over with some Renaissance Wax to give it a nice smooth feel.

With all of the moving parts and angles on this, I have to say that it is the most challenging thing I have ever built. The leather actually acts as the hinge for the lid to the storage area inside the slope. The angle of the slope is 12-degrees. This proved to be the most challenging because not only did the top need to sit perfectly flat when it was opened, it had to sit flat when it was closed as well. So, the angles are not only on the slope, but also on the writing leaves when closed and on the stops inside the box keeping it level.

Finding the period authentic hinges was a bit of a challenge, but the good folks at Horton Brasses came through with those. My sister-in-law loved it. And that made Christmas even better. Thanks for looking!!!