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879/​1192

Arne Jacobsen (b. Copenhagen 1902, d. s.p. 1971)

“American Foundation”. Freestanding desk with steel tube frame, “shoes” of black lacquered wood. Top and side mounted tray covered with black leather. Left side with drawer section of blue lacquered wood, front with six drawers. This example made approx. 1952 by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers. H. 72 cm. W. 70 cm. L. 140/175 cm. Tray: 34×40 cm.

Provenance: Acquired by present owner's father, who was friends with Arne Jacobsen. Hence by descent in the family.

Literature: Carsten Thau & Kjeld Vindum: “Jacobsen”, ill. and mentioned p. 388.

In 1952, Arne Jacobsen was tasked with designing an interior for the Office of the American-Scandinavian Foundation in New York. The furniture was a gift from the shipbuilding company Burmeister & Wain, and the pieces were made by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers. Included in this interior was a desk basically identical to the present desk, but with a different surface. The pieces never went into serial production, but with minor variations a few desks were made, apparently for friends or family of Arne Jacobsen.

Condition

Condition report on request.

Auction

Design, 4 June 2018

Category
Estimate

175,000–200,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

240,000 DKK