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Not currently on display at the V&A

Loop Shelf

Loop Shelf
1996 (designed), 1999 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The shelf is formed from two wide U shapes made of 7-ply birch plywood, pressed together in a mould to form a continuous 'loop'. The join at the sides is exceptionally fine and is barely visible. The piece is divided into three sections by the insertion of two vertical boards, also made of 7-ply. These run the full depth of the object.

The two outer sections are 355 mm wide (inner edge to inner edge) and the central section is 600 mm wide (inner edge to inner edge). The central section is backed with a metal plate, finished in baked grey paint. Four screws, one at each corner of this central plate, affix the piece to the wall.

The entire piece is coated in clear varnish.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleLoop Shelf (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Bent birch plywood
Brief description
Loop shelf, designed Barber Osgerby Associates, London, 1996
Physical description
The shelf is formed from two wide U shapes made of 7-ply birch plywood, pressed together in a mould to form a continuous 'loop'. The join at the sides is exceptionally fine and is barely visible. The piece is divided into three sections by the insertion of two vertical boards, also made of 7-ply. These run the full depth of the object.

The two outer sections are 355 mm wide (inner edge to inner edge) and the central section is 600 mm wide (inner edge to inner edge). The central section is backed with a metal plate, finished in baked grey paint. Four screws, one at each corner of this central plate, affix the piece to the wall.

The entire piece is coated in clear varnish.
Dimensions
  • Width: 1350mm
  • Depth: 135mm
  • Height: 150mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
LOOP / BARBER OSGERBY / MADE IN ENGLAND BY WINDMILL FURNITURE (Label; English; Affixed to the rear of the plate which affixes the piece to the wall.; 1999)
Gallery label
Loop shelf Designed by Barber Osgerby Associates (BOA) 1996 Made by Windmill Furniture, London, 1999 Birch plywood The Loop range is typical of a style of furniture which has become synonymous with 1990s loft living; simple, functional, elegant and light. The pieces come in a choice of birch, walnut or white finishes.(1999)
Object history
Purchased new from the manufacturer.

Historical significance: The Loop range is typical of a style of furniture which has become synonymous with 1990s loft living; simple, functional, elegant and light.
Historical context
Windmill Furniture's main business is custom-made contract furniture. However, recently it launched a new venture, called Isokon Plus, to manufacture iconic pieces from the 1930s Isokon Furniture Company range. Isokon Plus also collaborates on pieces by contemporary designers, starting off with Barber Osgerby Associates. The Loop shelf is one such product of this fruitful collaboration.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
W.3-2000

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Record createdNovember 7, 2000
Record URL
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