Karl Springer Custom One-of-One Ivory Lacquered Linen Desk or Console Table
A stunning, one-of-one linen desk by Karl Springer. This was a custom piece for a prominent client, wrapped in ivory fine lacquered linen with two brown suede-lined locking drawers. One drawer has compartments in it, for jewelry storage or safekeeping of other valuable items. The refined ming-style feet are paired with clean, modern lines at the top. Absolutely meticulously crafted with the highest quality materials. It can also be used as a console or entryway table. Commissioned circa 1977-1978 by the original owner. As far as we know, this is the only piece in this design and with locking drawers currently on the market. A very, very special find.
Unsigned. This desk has been authenticated by Mark Eckman of Matthews & Parker and Karl Springer LTD. A formal certificate of authenticity can be supplied upon request.
KARL SPRINGER (l931 - 1991) was born in Berlin, Germany in 1931. He immigrated to New York in 1957, where he began his career as a window dresser for Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue, while designing his own line of exotic leather accessories. After placing some of his items in a specialty shop within Bergdorf Goodman, the line became an overnight sensation. He eventually opened his own atelier on East 53rd Street, where he was discovered by the Duchess of Windsor. It was her patronage of Springer that thrust him into stardom.
Designers and patrons alike flocked to his shop, charmed by his personality and captivated by his designs. Over time, he began taking commissions for larger and more important pieces, using only the finest materials and finishing techniques, such as ancient oriental lacquering and high quality lucite fabrication. He drew inspiration from many design movements and refined them down to their purest forms, giving his pieces a unique sense of appeal. He also developed a network of artisans and craftsmen known to produce the highest quality of materials and workmanship. Among them was Mark Eckman, a young industrial designer who had a line of lucite furniture and lighting. They began a longstanding collaboration, first in lucite and then other materials, until Karl's passing in 1991.
Karl Springer arguably became the most influential American furniture stylist of the late 20th century. His work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal. His blend of chic sophistication, fresh aesthetics, and exquisute craftmanship made his work powerfully attractive (and widely imitated) from the 1960s through the 1990s. His influence and legacy can still be felt in high-end contemporary design today. He was posthumously honored with a one-man show at the New York School of Interior Design in 1994. Numerous articles about him have appeared in prestigious design journals, and his original pieces are in great demand at auction houses and among both dealers and collectors of 20th century furniture.
DIMENSIONS: 60 L x 20 W x 28 H inches
CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition. Sourced from the original owner.
Tear Sheets Are Available For Trade Members.
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