Item Description
Very early Albini Desk, designed by Franco Albini in 1928. Later versions of this design feature black plastic feet and black plastic glass top supports on the frame, like the version still produced by Knoll today and all other examples offered online. This unique example features small steel edges at the 4 top ends of the chromed steel frame keeping the glass top securely in place. A much more elegant solution! Franco Albini (1905-1977) was an Italian architect and designer. He went to study architecture at the Politecnico in Milan and later worked under Gio Ponti. In his work, he combined modern Italian aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. He started about to use materials that were readily available. Albini designed many iconic pieces including a radio, rocking chair and modular bookcases and over the course of his career worked with many manufacturers such as Knoll, Cassina, Arteluce and Poggi.
Knoll International was founded in New York by the 26 year old German Hans Knoll (1914-1955) in 1938. Hans’ father, Walter Knoll was a true modernist and furniture manufacturer who had a reputation for quality. When Hans Knoll died at a young age his wife Florence Knoll took over and under her influence the company flourished and created its best designs. She designed and led the company where she cooperated with talented designers such as Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Richard Schultz and Harry Bertoia. Please note that this item is in good, used condition. The lacquered wood shows some scratches, small losses of lacquer and small chips in several places. The original glass top has some very minor chips. Restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece contains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized restoration is possible as well.
