Not currently on display at the V&A

Desk

1930-1940 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

From green catalogue: 'Formed in two parts, a rectangular table and a drawer and shelf unit. Table section, the top inset withblack linoleum; the four legs of rectangular section set at each cornerwithin the narrow outer frame of the top. The top is supported by two cross members, one of which bears a white plastic label"BOWMAN BROS., LTD. COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHERS, Camden Town, London NW1." The plywood underside of the table top is stamped in red "E 12/2/17" and elsewhere in black "MADE/ K IN K/ FINLAND" and also the FINMAR trade mark with "FINMAR/ REGISTERED" below. Section 2 consists of a filing cabinet on wheels formed as a rectangular box with at one end 3 pigeon holes of gradated height, the largest at the bottom about 8" deep and at the other end 5 drawers of the same size. The top drawer with a lock in the top right hand corner with a black plastic keyhole escutcheon and all drawers with with in the centre of their faces a recessed grip with curved sides and straight bottom. The top drawer is annotated in pencil on the back "no. 9/1". The inside of the front is stamped "MADE IN K in K, FINLAND". When the top drawer is removed a pencil inscription "no. 9/1" is revealed on the front bottom of the framework into which it slides. Also visible is a crane-like projection curved on its lower side which is raised when the drawer is opened and thus releases a number of small notched projections which fit over the backs of the lower drawers and thus locks them when the top drawer is shut. The backs of the remaining drawers all bear pencil inscriptions similar to that on the top drawer. The recessed grips of the drawers are echoed by invisible recess grips on their bottom front edges masked by a thin remaining stretch of wood. The filing cabinet has four straight legs inset at each corner in which are wooden wheels fixed to run between the ends of the table. The filing section fits neatly under the table section at either end leaving a generous kneehole.'


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 7 parts.

  • Table
  • Chest of Drawers
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
Materials and techniques
Joined plywood and deal with black cellulose finish
Brief description
Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto man. Artek ? see 49a

from desk; Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto, man. Artek ?

Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto, man. Artek ?

Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto, man. Artek ?

Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto, man. Artek ?

Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto, man. Artek ?

Finnish 1930-40 des. A.Aalto, man. Artek ?
Physical description
From green catalogue: 'Formed in two parts, a rectangular table and a drawer and shelf unit. Table section, the top inset withblack linoleum; the four legs of rectangular section set at each cornerwithin the narrow outer frame of the top. The top is supported by two cross members, one of which bears a white plastic label"BOWMAN BROS., LTD. COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHERS, Camden Town, London NW1." The plywood underside of the table top is stamped in red "E 12/2/17" and elsewhere in black "MADE/ K IN K/ FINLAND" and also the FINMAR trade mark with "FINMAR/ REGISTERED" below. Section 2 consists of a filing cabinet on wheels formed as a rectangular box with at one end 3 pigeon holes of gradated height, the largest at the bottom about 8" deep and at the other end 5 drawers of the same size. The top drawer with a lock in the top right hand corner with a black plastic keyhole escutcheon and all drawers with with in the centre of their faces a recessed grip with curved sides and straight bottom. The top drawer is annotated in pencil on the back "no. 9/1". The inside of the front is stamped "MADE IN K in K, FINLAND". When the top drawer is removed a pencil inscription "no. 9/1" is revealed on the front bottom of the framework into which it slides. Also visible is a crane-like projection curved on its lower side which is raised when the drawer is opened and thus releases a number of small notched projections which fit over the backs of the lower drawers and thus locks them when the top drawer is shut. The backs of the remaining drawers all bear pencil inscriptions similar to that on the top drawer. The recessed grips of the drawers are echoed by invisible recess grips on their bottom front edges masked by a thin remaining stretch of wood. The filing cabinet has four straight legs inset at each corner in which are wooden wheels fixed to run between the ends of the table. The filing section fits neatly under the table section at either end leaving a generous kneehole.'
Dimensions
  • Table section height: 27.5in
  • Table section length: 45.25in
  • Table section width: 28in
Collection
Accession number
W.49-1977

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Record createdMay 2, 2007
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