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Raphael Raffel Desks and Writing Tables

French, 1912-2000

Best known in the world of design as simply Raphaël, Raphaël Raffel was one of the most influential French mid-century modern designers and decorators. His style inspirations ranged from 18th-century Parisian design to 1960s American and Italian Space Age chic.

Born in 1912 in Paris, Raffel studied design at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1934, he began an interior decorating business, counting legendary French-American dancer Josephine Baker among his first clients.

During the 1930s and throughout the 1940s, Raffel was regarded as one of France’s illustrious “ensembliers-décorateurs,” designers who not only created furniture but focused on every element of interior space, from wall decorations to lighting.

By the 1950s, Raffel’s decorating and design talents had gained the attention of the French public service. Several commissions were awarded to Raffel to decorate embassies, university residences, post offices, the National Assembly and the ground floor and a wing of the Hôtel de Ville de Paris. Additionally, in 1952, Raffel worked with French designer, sculptor and architect André Arbus to decorate a section of the luxury ocean liner Bretagne. That same year, Raffel’s work was shown with designs by French ceramist Georges Jouve at the Salon des Arts Ménagers. In 1958, Raffel exhibited at the Brussels World’s Fair.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Raffel was inspired by the era’s popular Space Age style, evident in his plush, croissant-shaped sofas and pod-shaped lounge chairs, club chairs and armchairs, which he designed for furniture makers such as Maison Honoré and Herman Miller. Raffel also combined lacquer, glasswork, distinct colors and gilt bronze in his elegant, French neoclassical coffee and cocktail tables, side tables and desks.

Towards the end of the 1970s, Raffel’s business began to wane, finally closing in 1983. Raffel continued to work on design and decorating commissions until he died in 2000.

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Raphaël Raffel seating and tables.

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Creator: Raphael Raffel
Sycamore Desk by Raphael Raffel with Gilt Bronze Rope Mounts
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Stamford, CT
This striking desk is part of a large group of Sycamore furniture designed by Raphael and feature in the 1939 Salon Des Arts Mengers. This show was seen as solidifying Raphaels place...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Raphael Raffel Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Sycamore Desk by Raphael Raffel with Gilt Bronze Rope Mounts
Sycamore Desk by Raphael Raffel with Gilt Bronze Rope Mounts

Sycamore Desk by Raphael Raffel with Gilt Bronze Rope Mounts

Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel, France, c. 1955
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York City, NY
Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel for Maison Internationale Paris, France, c. 1955. This elegant desk consists of a solid oak construction, dark for...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Raphael Raffel Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel, France, c. 1955
Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel, France, c. 1955

Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel, France, c. 1955

Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raphael (Raphael Raffel, 1912-2000) Rare Beka lacquer pedestal desk with three drawers, a black lacquered base and bronze details.
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Raphael Raffel Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael
Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael

Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael

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Raphael Raffel desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Raphael Raffel desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Raphael Raffel desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Raphael Raffel were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Jules Leleu, Pierre Paulin, and Maison Jansen. Prices for Raphael Raffel desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $13,800 and can go as high as $14,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $14,350.

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