A Victorian-period cast iron book stand or desktop lectern, manufactured by J.F. Clarke. The object is of rectangular form with an angled rest supported by a decorative integral stand. The face of the rest features ornate pierced openwork decoration, consisting of a central panel with a repeating leaf-shaped geometric lattice-work design, surrounded by a border of cast foliage and berries. The supporting base is similarly decorated with scrolling foliate motifs. The entire piece is finished in a traditional dark grey coating. The lower edge of the rest is cast with the maker’s name and address: CLARKE 7 & 8 DOVER ST S.E. To the lower left, there are characters reading REGD NO followed by partially legible registration numbers. J.F. Clarke was a known engineer and iron founder operating from Dover Street in the Borough area of South East London during the late 19th century.
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