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Quietly radical and unmistakably Mid-Century, this Hugh Acton executive desk pairs luminous rosewood with crisp chrome architecture. A long, elegantly slim top seems to float over a sculptural trestle base, while three thin, full-width drawers keep the profile razor-clean. The effect is all line, proportion, and restraint—an “architect’s desk” that reads as functional sculpture.
Why it matters
Hugh Acton sits in that fascinating tier of American Mid-Century designers who worked at the intersection of contract and residential furniture. Trained as a sculptor and deeply fluent in metalwork, Acton brought an architectural rigor to his pieces—benches with integrated planters, lean steel frames, and spare, durable forms that feel both industrial and refined. His production volumes were modest compared to the era’s giants, which makes authentic Acton designs genuinely hard to find—especially in rosewood and in this condition. For some collectors, he’s a lesser-known name with major design credibility and serious conversation value.
Design highlights
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Exceedingly rare configuration: rosewood top, chrome trestle base, and three slim, concealed drawers that preserve the thin-edge profile.
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Floating lightness: the linear stretcher and T-feet base create negative space, balancing the richness of the rosewood with a crisp, weightless stance.
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Mid-Century purity: minimal hardware, disciplined geometry, and contract-grade construction meant to live beautifully at home or in a studio/office.
Use & styling
At over six feet of uninterrupted surface, this desk anchors a room without feeling heavy—perfect with a lean chrome task chair, a warm reading lamp, and a single object with presence (a favorite vessel, a bronze, a stack of monographs).
Condition
Beautiful vintage condition with restored rosewood top. Drawers work smoothly; chrome presents with a bright polish; rosewood shows lively grain and depth. Dimensions
Overall Dimensions: 72"L x 34"W x 29.5"H
Knee clearance: 26.5"H
Drawer interior (each): 16" x 16" x 1"HShipping
Delivery nationwide; local delivery available from our San Diego showroom. International crating and global freight arranged with care.
-
Quietly radical and unmistakably Mid-Century, this Hugh Acton executive desk pairs luminous rosewood with crisp chrome architecture. A long, elegantly slim top seems to float over a sculptural trestle base, while three thin, full-width drawers keep the profile razor-clean. The effect is all line, proportion, and restraint—an “architect’s desk” that reads as functional sculpture.
Why it matters
Hugh Acton sits in that fascinating tier of American Mid-Century designers who worked at the intersection of contract and residential furniture. Trained as a sculptor and deeply fluent in metalwork, Acton brought an architectural rigor to his pieces—benches with integrated planters, lean steel frames, and spare, durable forms that feel both industrial and refined. His production volumes were modest compared to the era’s giants, which makes authentic Acton designs genuinely hard to find—especially in rosewood and in this condition. For some collectors, he’s a lesser-known name with major design credibility and serious conversation value.
Design highlights
-
Exceedingly rare configuration: rosewood top, chrome trestle base, and three slim, concealed drawers that preserve the thin-edge profile.
-
Floating lightness: the linear stretcher and T-feet base create negative space, balancing the richness of the rosewood with a crisp, weightless stance.
-
Mid-Century purity: minimal hardware, disciplined geometry, and contract-grade construction meant to live beautifully at home or in a studio/office.
Use & styling
At over six feet of uninterrupted surface, this desk anchors a room without feeling heavy—perfect with a lean chrome task chair, a warm reading lamp, and a single object with presence (a favorite vessel, a bronze, a stack of monographs).
Condition
Beautiful vintage condition with restored rosewood top. Drawers work smoothly; chrome presents with a bright polish; rosewood shows lively grain and depth. Dimensions
Overall Dimensions: 72"L x 34"W x 29.5"H
Knee clearance: 26.5"H
Drawer interior (each): 16" x 16" x 1"H
Shipping
Delivery nationwide; local delivery available from our San Diego showroom. International crating and global freight arranged with care.
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
Sell your mid-century piece