Karl Springer Shagreen & Chrome Executive Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.25 in (74.3 cm)Width: 72 in (182.88 cm)Depth: 29.88 in (75.9 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1984
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. very good original condition. some wear on the chrome consistent with age- please see photos.
- Seller Location:Denton, TX
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Denton, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Saporiti Italia Executive DeskBy SaporitiLocated in Denton, TXSaporiti Italia Exotic Burl wood & leather executive desk. A combination of straight and curved lines with Burl wood base and top accented with brown leather edge and work surface. C...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Lou Hodges Style Executive DeskLocated in Denton, TXLou Hodges Style Oak and Walnut Executive Desk. Massive desk with a nice solid oak butcher block top. Plenty of space to seat people on each side of the desk.Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsOak, Walnut
- Chrome with Woven Rush Dining TableBy ChromcraftLocated in Denton, TXTubular chrome with rush panel under the glass top by Chrome craft.Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Paul Frankl Cork Top DeskBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Denton, TXRare six-drawer desk designed by Paul Frankl featuring a curved cork top, adorned with brass drawer pulls and partial brass covered legs. Can also be used as a vanity.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany, Oak, Cork
- Tessellated Stone Console / DeskBy Maitland SmithLocated in Denton, TXTwo tone Tessellated stone Console / Desk with two drawers and finished on all sides so it can be floated in a room.Category
20th Century Philippine Modern Console Tables
MaterialsStone
- Antique French Walnut Tambour Top DeskLocated in Denton, TXRare 19th century French walnut roll top desk in the style of Louis XV. The tambour door locks with a key. Also finished on the back so it can be ...Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsOak, Walnut
- Modern Karl Springer Style Three-Drawer Faux Shagreen Desk/Writing Table, ChromeBy Karl SpringerLocated in Stamford, CTModern Karl Springer style three-drawer faux Shagreen desk on a chrome plated x form base. Sleek desk or writing table in a Springer style finish w...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsChrome
- 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
- White Parsons Desk with Embossed Leather, Shagreen, by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York City, NYA sleek desk covered in eye-catching embossed leather. In excellent condition.Category
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsLeather, Wood, Lacquer, Shagreen Stingray
- 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
- Shagreen deskBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYShagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsShagreen
- 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