{"product_id":"bertha-schaefer-walnut-desk-for-singer-and-sons","title":"Bertha Schaefer Sculptural Walnut Desk for M. Singer \u0026 Sons, 1950s","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn exceptional \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBertha Schaefer walnut desk for M. Singer \u0026amp; Sons\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe most striking element is its unusual \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eboomerang-shaped top and asymmetrical architectural base\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe walnut itself is particularly beautiful. Highly figured walnut was carefully selected for the drawer fronts, displaying pronounced \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003echatoyancy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe construction is equally impressive. The drawers feature \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003esolid walnut construction with traditional dovetail joinery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, details that speak to the quality of M. Singer \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eImportantly, this is not a desk that needs to be placed against a wall. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt is finished on all sides and was clearly intended to be viewed in the round\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBertha Schaefer and M. Singer \u0026amp; Sons\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBertha Schaefer was an important figure in postwar American design and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eone of the relatively few women to establish a significant presence in the male-dominated furniture industry of the mid-20th century\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDuring the 1950s she collaborated with New York manufacturer \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eM. Singer \u0026amp; Sons\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSchaefer’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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHer work also received recognition from one of the most important design institutions of the period. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBertha Schaefer’s walnut nesting tables for M. Singer \u0026amp; Sons were selected for the Museum of Modern Art’s influential Good Design exhibition in 1952.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 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 \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eGood Design\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e movement that helped define American modernism during the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eToday, Schaefer’s furniture for M. Singer \u0026amp; Sons is increasingly sought after by collectors, and this desk stands out for its \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eboomerang form, extraordinary figured walnut, architectural construction, and beautifully resolved details\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesigner:\u003c\/b\u003e Bertha Schaefer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e M. Singer \u0026amp; Sons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 1950s\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e United States\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Walnut\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStyle:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Mid-Century Modern \/ American Modernism\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: 53.5 L x 26.5 D x 29.25 H  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnee Hole: 24.75 H x 23.75 W x 21.5 D \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobbs Modern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50499786997813,"sku":"HM-260923-162","price":8495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0293\/5534\/3925\/files\/BerthaSchaeferDeskinWalnut-23.jpg?v=1791955944","url":"https:\/\/hobbsmodern.com\/products\/bertha-schaefer-walnut-desk-for-singer-and-sons","provider":"Hobbs Modern","version":"1.0","type":"link"}