Elegant Karl Springer Desk
View Similar Items
Elegant Karl Springer Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 59.5 in (151.13 cm)Depth: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c. 1960's
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU81881066850
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s 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. In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman, and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor. By 1965, he had established his own Manhattan atelier, and at his death he had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes. He employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
- Sleek Karl Springer Style Coffee TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAWaterfall coffee table with a faux marble finish.Category
Vintage 1960s Benches
MaterialsMarble
- Fantastic Gilbert Rohde DeskBy Gilbert RohdeLocated in Los Angeles, CAFantastic Gilbert Rohde desk.Category
Vintage 1940s American Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Graceful Console in the Style of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAA graceful console in the Style of Karl Springer with brass inlay. Covered in a cream colored raffia.Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Console Tables
MaterialsWood
- Monteverdi-Young Executive Curved DeskBy Monteverdi-YoungLocated in Los Angeles, CAMonteverdi-Young executive curved desk, with lockable (with keys) compartments, drawers and space for anything that you might need for your desk. Custom f...Category
Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Bronze Floor Lamp in the Style of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CASquare base, with hexagonal stand. Bronze with a dark patina. In the style of Karl Springer.Category
Late 20th Century American Floor Lamps
MaterialsBronze
- Brushed Metal and Bronze, Egyptian Revival DeskLocated in Los Angeles, CAUnique desk. The body is brushed metal with bronze details. Triangular legs are crowned by pharaoh heads and feet in the shape of lion's paws. Three front drawers. The top is black l...Category
Vintage 1940s French Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBronze, Metal
- Original Vintage Karl Springer Executive Black Lacquered DeskBy Karl SpringerLocated in East Hampton, NYThis large scale executive desk belonged to the late fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene. Sourced from his Estate in Oyster Bay, NY, it is in good vintage condition, 4 invisible drawer...Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWood
- Karl Springer Crocodile Leather 2 Drawer Console TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in West Palm Beach, FLAn Alligator leather console by Karl Springer 2 drawers make this a useful form. Karl Springer leather label belowCategory
Vintage 1970s American Tables
MaterialsLeather
- Karl Springer Shagreen & Chrome Executive DeskBy Karl SpringerLocated in Denton, TXExtremely Rare Karl Springer Shagreen & chrome executive desk. Each corner has brass accents to compliment the chrome. Dark Shagreen top and draw...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Vintage Embossed Leather Desk by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Hollywood, CAAn elegant vintage leather desk designed by iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1970s. Standing out for its minimalist design, this desk has 2 large drawers that are great for storing documents and office supplies...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer Rare "Goatskin Free Form Desk" 1988By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare and exceptional "Goatskin Free Form Desk" in lacquered goatskin with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1988 (date stamped on bottom). Springer’s Free Form...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood, Lacquer
- Karl Springer "Ming Writing Desk" in Embossed Leather 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY“Ming Desk” in color embossed textured leather with 2 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and materials are superb and this is a wonderful example of Karl Springer’s work. This is a pared down version of the Chinese Style Series which preceded it. Reference: Karl Springer LTD red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section “Coffee Tables and Bar Carts”, on page 9 there is a photo of the coffee table model of this desk with the page titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD CHINESE STYLE COFFEE TABLE...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsLeather, Wood