Dickens' Table Subject to Export Ban

Late last week the UK's Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, Michael Ellis, announced a temporary export ban on a study table once owned by Charles Dickens. The round mahogany table with a revolving drum top covered in green leather was made around 1835 and was used by the famous author for most of his career, according to the Minister's office, "first in his London home at Devonshire Terrace; then his offices on Wellington Street where he published Household Words and All the Year Round; and finally in his library at Gad's Hill Place in Higham, Kent." It remained in the possession of Sir Henry Fielding Dickens' descendants until its recent sale at Christie's London for £65,000 ($87,000). Presumably the winning bidder wished to 'take it home,' as it were, prompting Ellis to issue the export ban. 

Ellis commented in a press release, "As one of Britain's most famous novelists, it is only right for there to be great expectations on us to protect Dickens' study table for the benefit of the nation."

A decision regarding the buyer's export license has been deferred until October 26, giving UK institutions a chance to raise £67,600, the amount needed to keep the table in the country. Readers may recall a similar snafu with some Jane Austen jewelry years ago, which was resolved when an anonymous benefactor stepped forward with £100,000, thus keeping Austen's turquoise and gold ring out of the hands of American singer Kelly Clarkson. (It is now in the collection of the Jane Austen House Museum.) 

The pending sale of Dickens' table also calls to mind several writers' desks that have gone to auction in recent years--one of which was owned by Dickens and was "saved for the nation" with a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.