Item Description
An exceptionally rare early example of Franco Albini’s iconic desk, originally designed in 1928. A landmark of Italian Rationalist design, the desk demonstrates Albini’s mastery of combining structural clarity with visual lightness, resulting in a piece that remains remarkably contemporary nearly a century after its conception. This early version distinguishes itself through a refined and seldom-seen construction detail. Unlike later examples—including the version produced by Knoll and most examples found on the market today—which utilize black plastic feet and black plastic supports to secure the glass top, this desk features small chromed steel tabs integrated into the upper corners of the frame. These elegantly engineered steel edges hold the glass top securely in place while preserving the purity of the design, creating a cleaner and more sophisticated visual solution. The chromed steel frame beautifully expresses Albini’s minimalist approach, while the floating glass top reinforces the desk’s sense of transparency and architectural precision. The distinctive construction details make this example especially appealing to collectors seeking an early and more refined interpretation of one of Albini’s most celebrated designs. A rare opportunity to acquire an early version of one of the defining works of twentieth-century Italian design, distinguished by construction details that set it apart from later production examples. 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.
