catalog text
MODERNIST WAXED AND CERUSED OAK DESK WITH LACQUERED SKIN WRITING SURFACE
Probably French, circa 1950s
Item # 311JOS13Q
A remarkable Modernist pedestal desk from the 1950s, the utterly austere form is such a pleasant and unusual writing piece. It features stark angularity with a rectangular top with vibrant oak veneers bordering a lacquered skin (probably goatskin) writing surface set into it. Simple doors on the right and left are opened with a key to reveal a single drawer in the upper over a single shelf in the lower; the drawers on both sides feature a single large dovetail joining the corners. This same construction method is carried through in the broad horizontal drawer in the center of the desk; designed to look simply like the apron above the sitter, it is devoid of any hardware and is easily withdrawn to reveal an incredibly deep and spacious storage area. The desk is crafted of raised-grain cerused and waxed oak over a plywood substrate, all areas beautifully dressed in the brilliant flamed grain veneers.
The entire desk is designed to be easily broken down for transport. After removing a few screws from the underside, the top lifts off on large dowels, the drawer lifts out from the center, the medial brace comes out from the back and the two pedestals are free to move around. As a result, even one relatively strong person can safely move the desk without terrible difficulty.
It remains a stark strikepoint piece for the modern interior, the wonderfull all-over surface history and patina bringing much needed texture to the modern interior. It is very difficult to find a piece with such a compelling form and beautiful design, incredibly relevant to today's interior while remaining most practical.
Measurements: 29 1/8" H x 29 7/8" D x 65 3/4" W; 23 5/8" knee clearance where chair sits
Condition Report:
Numerous areas of veneer loss on desk and on both interior drawers; lacquered skin with discoloration and staining from gentle use over the years; the skin is ever-so-slightly lifting at one seam with associated losses; we usually recommend ordering a glass top to place on these in order to preserve the skin and make the top more functional - we can always have a glass top fabricated for you and sent with the desk, but it adds substantially to the shipping cost and usually is more efficient and safer for you to order one after receiving the desk; the historical surface exhibits staining, blemishes and variation in color throughout from years of use and sun exposure and whlie that is much of the charm in a vintage piece, this could certainly be refinished to a more perfect aesthetic.