10 items every gentleman needs in his study
Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
A gentleman doesn’t have a ‘man cave’ he has a study and he should always be sure to stock it with the finest antiques, furniture and curios. Here are 10 items every gentleman needs in his study.
BOOKCASE
‘A book is a device to ignite the imagination’ as Alan Bennett wisely put it and all gentlemen should be voracious readers. But where to store all those books? A fine bookcase such as this one sold by Ronald Phillips is essential for a study.
George II Mahogany Bookcase, POA from RonaldPhillipsantiques.com
PHOTO FRAME
It’s important to have a photograph of love ones on your desk to ensure that you never forget the really important things in life. Be sure to have the photo presented in a really fine frame such as this one by David Linley.
Safari Frame by David Linley, £450 from DavidLinley.com
SPORTS MEMORABILIA
A gentleman’s study should be made up of those items that evoke conquests and battles on the games field. You don’t have to trawl thrift shops looking for vintage medicine balls – Timothy Oulton sells a range of antique-style sports equipment.
Sporting by Timothy Oulton, POA from TimothyOulton.co.uk
DESK
Your workspace is ever so important and you want a desk that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical to work off. This modern, lightweight desk is perfect for the modern gentleman.
Novelist Desk by Christopher Pillet, POA from onefinebid.com
DRINKS CABINET
It’s important to be able to wind down with a tot of whiskey in the evenings and so be sure to install some sort of drinks cabinet in your study – for those who want something not too bulky, this Bar Box by David Linley is very fine indeed.
Trafalgar Bar Box by David Linley, £12,000 from DavidLinley.com
DOOR STOP
Having a door stop is a great way of showing whether you’re open for business, or whether you’re tied up with work. They also stop the door from slamming and can be surprisingly decorative like these caricature doorstops from Mallett Antiques.
A Pair of Mid 19th Century Doorstops, £1,800 from Mallettantiques.com
PHRENOLOGY HEAD
It’s essential to have a lot of ornaments in your study, to show what a well rounded and worldly gentleman you are. This antique style phrenology head from John Lewis is exactly the sort of curio you need on your desk.
Phrenology Head, £50 from JohnLewis.com
PAINTING
A gentleman is, more often than not, a lover of fine art and should therefore have his tastes reflected upon his study wall. Maybe he loves contemporary art, or maybe he prefers more traditional works, such as this painting by Francesco Zuccarelli.
A View of the River Thames from Richmond Hill by Francesco Zuccarelli, POA from onefinebid.com
CARPET
Whether you have carpeted or wooden floors, it’s important to have additional decorative rugs for your floors or walls. This traditional Atlas Moroccan berber rug would make a wonderful addition to any study.
Atlas, POA from therugcompany.com
CHAIR
Your desk chair, along with you desk, is perhaps the most important item in your study. You might want an antique or vintage chair, or you may decide on a newly designed one that will be excellent for posture. This swivel desk chair from the 1960’s is ideal for vintage fans.
Retro Swivel Desk Chair Vintage 1960’s, POA from retrospectiveinteriors.com
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