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An exceptional Bertha Schaefer walnut desk for M. Singer & Sons, designed during the height of American Mid-Century Modernism in the 1950s. Sculptural from every angle and beautifully constructed, the desk demonstrates Schaefer’s ability to combine the sophistication of European modernism with the warmth and craftsmanship of American furniture making.
The most striking element is its unusual boomerang-shaped top and asymmetrical architectural base. Rather than following the conventional rectangular form of an executive desk, the writing surface subtly changes direction, creating a dynamic silhouette that becomes especially apparent when viewed from above. The top appears to float slightly above the supporting structure, adding another layer of visual lightness to the design.
The walnut itself is particularly beautiful. Highly figured walnut was carefully selected for the drawer fronts, displaying pronounced chatoyancy that changes dramatically as light moves across the surface. The shimmering grain continues across the broad writing surface, giving the desk a richness and depth that is difficult to capture fully in photographs.
A bank of three drawers anchors one side of the desk. The upper drawers provide everyday storage, while the deep lower drawer incorporates its original metal hanging-file framework and slides on metal rails. The softly rounded lower corners of the drawer cabinet are a particularly elegant detail, contrasting with the crisp geometry of the surrounding frame.
The construction is equally impressive. The drawers feature solid walnut construction with traditional dovetail joinery, details that speak to the quality of M. Singer & Sons’ manufacturing. The opposite side is supported by a beautifully proportioned open walnut framework with slender tapered legs and stretchers, giving the substantial desk a remarkably light architectural presence.
Importantly, this is not a desk that needs to be placed against a wall. It is finished on all sides and was clearly intended to be viewed in the round, making it ideal for floating in the center of an office, study, library, or living space. From the rear, the open framework and sculptural geometry are nearly as compelling as the drawer side.
Bertha Schaefer and M. Singer & Sons
Bertha Schaefer was an important figure in postwar American design and one of the relatively few women to establish a significant presence in the male-dominated furniture industry of the mid-20th century. In addition to designing furniture and interiors, Schaefer operated an influential New York gallery and was closely engaged with contemporary art, architecture, and European modernism.
During the 1950s she collaborated with New York manufacturer M. Singer & Sons, which became an important bridge between American manufacturing and the emerging language of Italian modern design. The company worked with figures including Gio Ponti and helped introduce sophisticated Italian modernism to an American audience.
Schaefer’s work for Singer shared this international outlook. Her furniture combined sculptural forms, fine hardwoods, and modernist simplicity with the high level of construction expected of premium American furniture.
Her work also received recognition from one of the most important design institutions of the period. Bertha Schaefer’s walnut nesting tables for M. Singer & Sons were selected for the Museum of Modern Art’s influential Good Design exhibition in 1952. While we have not found documentation establishing that this particular desk was included in the MoMA exhibition, Schaefer’s inclusion places her work for Singer firmly within the celebrated Good Design movement that helped define American modernism during the period.
This desk is a particularly compelling example of that philosophy. Functional without being conventional, luxurious without unnecessary ornament, and sculptural enough to stand on its own as an object, it represents the sophisticated side of 1950s American modern design.
Today, Schaefer’s furniture for M. Singer & Sons is increasingly sought after by collectors, and this desk stands out for its boomerang form, extraordinary figured walnut, architectural construction, and beautifully resolved details.
Designer: Bertha Schaefer
Manufacturer: M. Singer & Sons
Period: 1950s
Origin: United States
Material: Walnut
Style: Mid-Century Modern / American Modernism
Features: Sculptural boomerang-shaped top, figured walnut drawer fronts, solid walnut drawers, dovetail joinery, lower filing drawer with metal rails, and fully finished construction for freestanding placement.Dimensions: 53.5 L x 26.5 D x 29.25 H
Knee Hole: 24.75 H x 23.75 W x 21.5 D
An exceptional Bertha Schaefer walnut desk for M. Singer & Sons, designed during the height of American Mid-Century Modernism in the 1950s. Sculptural from every angle and beautifully constructed, the desk demonstrates Schaefer’s ability to combine the sophistication of European modernism with the warmth and craftsmanship of American furniture making.
The most striking element is its unusual boomerang-shaped top and asymmetrical architectural base. Rather than following the conventional rectangular form of an executive desk, the writing surface subtly changes direction, creating a dynamic silhouette that becomes especially apparent when viewed from above. The top appears to float slightly above the supporting structure, adding another layer of visual lightness to the design.
The walnut itself is particularly beautiful. Highly figured walnut was carefully selected for the drawer fronts, displaying pronounced chatoyancy that changes dramatically as light moves across the surface. The shimmering grain continues across the broad writing surface, giving the desk a richness and depth that is difficult to capture fully in photographs.
A bank of three drawers anchors one side of the desk. The upper drawers provide everyday storage, while the deep lower drawer incorporates its original metal hanging-file framework and slides on metal rails. The softly rounded lower corners of the drawer cabinet are a particularly elegant detail, contrasting with the crisp geometry of the surrounding frame.
The construction is equally impressive. The drawers feature solid walnut construction with traditional dovetail joinery, details that speak to the quality of M. Singer & Sons’ manufacturing. The opposite side is supported by a beautifully proportioned open walnut framework with slender tapered legs and stretchers, giving the substantial desk a remarkably light architectural presence.
Importantly, this is not a desk that needs to be placed against a wall. It is finished on all sides and was clearly intended to be viewed in the round, making it ideal for floating in the center of an office, study, library, or living space. From the rear, the open framework and sculptural geometry are nearly as compelling as the drawer side.
Bertha Schaefer and M. Singer & Sons
Bertha Schaefer was an important figure in postwar American design and one of the relatively few women to establish a significant presence in the male-dominated furniture industry of the mid-20th century. In addition to designing furniture and interiors, Schaefer operated an influential New York gallery and was closely engaged with contemporary art, architecture, and European modernism.
During the 1950s she collaborated with New York manufacturer M. Singer & Sons, which became an important bridge between American manufacturing and the emerging language of Italian modern design. The company worked with figures including Gio Ponti and helped introduce sophisticated Italian modernism to an American audience.
Schaefer’s work for Singer shared this international outlook. Her furniture combined sculptural forms, fine hardwoods, and modernist simplicity with the high level of construction expected of premium American furniture.
Her work also received recognition from one of the most important design institutions of the period. Bertha Schaefer’s walnut nesting tables for M. Singer & Sons were selected for the Museum of Modern Art’s influential Good Design exhibition in 1952. While we have not found documentation establishing that this particular desk was included in the MoMA exhibition, Schaefer’s inclusion places her work for Singer firmly within the celebrated Good Design movement that helped define American modernism during the period.
This desk is a particularly compelling example of that philosophy. Functional without being conventional, luxurious without unnecessary ornament, and sculptural enough to stand on its own as an object, it represents the sophisticated side of 1950s American modern design.
Today, Schaefer’s furniture for M. Singer & Sons is increasingly sought after by collectors, and this desk stands out for its boomerang form, extraordinary figured walnut, architectural construction, and beautifully resolved details.
Designer: Bertha Schaefer
Manufacturer: M. Singer & Sons
Period: 1950s
Origin: United States
Material: Walnut
Style: Mid-Century Modern / American Modernism
Features: Sculptural boomerang-shaped top, figured walnut drawer fronts, solid walnut drawers, dovetail joinery, lower filing drawer with metal rails, and fully finished construction for freestanding placement.
Dimensions: 53.5 L x 26.5 D x 29.25 H
Knee Hole: 24.75 H x 23.75 W x 21.5 D
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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
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