Description
When Bauhaus came to Britain…
A spectacular early 1930s Modernist desk, by British firm PEL.
Generously constructed from solid English oak and gleaming bent chrome, this large executive desk was designed to stand in the centre of a room where it could be appreciated from all sides, but looks equally impressive tucked up against a wall!
A figured oak top ‘floats’ above front and rear cupboards and three dovetail-jointed drawers, while its brilliantly designed legs beautifully frame the sides then angle underneath and sharply to the centre, complimenting its sleek chrome handles.
Established in 1931 in Oldbury near Birmingham, PEL (Practical Equipment Ltd) sought to emulate the success of German firm, Thonet, and their production of tubular steel furniture.
They won critically acclaimed contracts in the 1930s, including the BBC’s Broadcasting House and the De Le Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea.
PEL worked alongside revered designers to produce their now iconic furniture, notably the eminent architect, Wells Coates (the Isokon Building), and the designer of this stunning desk, Oliver Percy Bernard.
Bernard was famed for his interior work on Lyons’ Tea Rooms, as well as the spectacular glass entrance to the Strand Palace Hotel in London, and the interiors of the Regent Palace Hotel in Piccadilly Circus
Although the latter closed down in 2006, Bernard’s interiors were extensively restored and live on in what is now the Brasserie Zédel.
This fine example of his work comes in very good vintage original condition with only minor signs or wear… remarkable for a desk that is almost 100 years old!
W144.5cm x D75.5cm H73cm
Sensible offers welcome!
A similar example in dark stained oak can be seen on the V&A website:
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O132250/desk-pel-limited/
You may want to contact me in advance to make sure this desk fits through your door!
Please feel free to contact me with any queries.
