The Tompkins Desk borrows its shape from the classic saw horse.  For centuries saw horses have served as a stable base to support a piece of lumber or other material for cutting. When used in pairs, they create a stable work surface for many purposes in addition to cutting. For many craftsmen, a sheet of plywood laid across two sawhorses creates a portable workstation for laying out hardware, tools, and any other items that may need to be kept handy for a project. The Tompkins desk can serve essentially the same function stylishly to support many other professional and recreational pursuits.