Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Ernest H. Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Cabinet in White Polyurethane

About the Item

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, shelving sideboard, polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an international audience for his design work. An orange-colored version of a desk furnished the MIB headquarters in the movie Men in Black 3 (2012). In 2009, the US company Steelcase re-edited Hofmann's desk, the 'Igl-Jet', producing a limited edition of 1,970 pieces. When the desk was first made in 1970-71, Hofmann employed groundbreaking technology for his designs. His initial desk was one of the first to be made entirely out of plastic. The revolutionary concept and grand vision behind this desk are evident in its rounded corners, soft edges, and stunning shapes. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a cabinet that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of sturdy lines and round corners implemented in the whole construction. For this outspoken layout, the designer used a pure off-white color. The recessed round contoured handles add a quirky element to the piece. The sophisticated storage facility, along with details such as geometrically shaped drawers and round ornaments on the sides, truly contribute to the unique design idea. In 1969, a successful collaboration between German office furniture maker Werndl and Ernest Hofmann began. With the desks 'Igl-Top' and 'Igl-Jet', as well as a shelf, Hofmann secured an important role in office furniture design during 1970-1971. His designs were groundbreaking and only possible due to the use of a new material. Hofmann designed the first one-piece desk made entirely out of polyurethane. The material was liquid and poured into a mold, where two components reacted together to form a flat, hard surface. By using plastic, Hofmann was able to create a desk with unusual organic shapes and rounded corners. Ernest Hofmann (1920-2001) – in 1954, he gave himself the artist name ‘Igl’ – was a multi talent. He, a designer, sculptor, illustrator, and inventor, designed everything from a harvester machine to office appliances, a microscope, and rubber boots. His oeuvre includes an impressive number of products used for all kinds of situations in life. Hofmann, born in Prague in 1920, studied graphic arts in his hometown, in Karlsbad and in Munich, where he and his wife settled. Hofmann firstly worked as an illustrator, graphic artist, and cartoonist for well-known schoolbook publishers. In 1962, they moved to Rosenheim, which marked the beginning of Hofmann’s more design orientated career. Kindly note that this item is in good, used condition. The lacquer shows signs of wear and use and irregularities. 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.
  • Creator:
    Ernest Igl (Designer),Wilhelm Werndl (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 72.84 in (185 cm)Width: 45.48 in (115.5 cm)Depth: 16.74 in (42.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Post-Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftspeople in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. Check ‘About the item’ or ask our design specialists for detailed information on the condition.
  • Seller Location:
    Waalwijk, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 501131681stDibs: LU933131351592

More From This Seller

View All
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Rare Cabinet in Polyurethane
By Ernest Igl, Wilhelm Werndl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, cabinet, polyurethane, Germany, designed in 1970 This design truly resembles the ethos of the seventies ...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Cabinets

Materials

Plastic

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane
By Wilhelm Werndl, Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, 'Directors' writing desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an international audienc...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Directors Desk in Marble Look Fiberglass
By Ernest Igl, Wilhelm Werndl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', painted fiberglass, Germany, designed in 1970 This design truly fits within the ethos of the seventies – a bright...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann Corner Desk in White Polyurethane
By Wilhelm Werndl, Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an internation...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann 'Jet' Corner Desk in Brown & Orange Polyurethane
By Ernest Igl, Wilhelm Werndl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an internation...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

Ernest H. Igl for Bayer AG 'Hadi' Desk
By Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Bayer AG, 'Hadi' desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970s This design by Ernest Igl truly resembles the ethos of the seventies, featuring the commonly used material of that time: polyurethane. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a desk that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of curved lines and round shapes executed in the whole construction. On the left side, three drawers are situated hidden perfectly in the column of the design. At the right side there is a storage compartment placed. Taking every stylistic realization into account, this writing desk feels retro, without clashing with contemporary interiors. Ernest Hofmann...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

You May Also Like

Space Age Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Directors Igl-Jet Fiberglass Desk, 1970s
By Wilhelm Werndl
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Space Age Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl directors Igl-Jet fiberglass desk, 1970s This design really evokes the ethos of the seventies - a bright and bold era - with the commonly u...
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Space Age Desks

Materials

Fiberglass

Mid-Century Danish Teak Hutch Cabinet Johannes Andersen for Wilhelm Schaum Oy
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Seaford, GB
Vintage Mid-Century Teak Drinks Cabinet/highboard / high hutch / Sideboard by Johannes Andersen This exquisite Danish teak highboard is a rare and highly sought-after design by Joha...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Cabinet in Furs White Cabinet
By Fratelli Boffi
Located in Milan, IT
Combining the luxurious feel of fur with an environmentally friendly faux fur material, this cabinet will imbue with elegance a rustic or modern interior, while also equipping it with unique storage space. Unconventionally shaped as a cylinder, this cabinet is made of wood with a natural walnut top and mirrored plinth...
Category

2010s Italian Cabinets

Materials

Faux Fur, Oak

Mogens Koch Cabinets in Oak for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinets in oak. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DANMARK.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Alessandro Guerrerio Filosofo Cabinet for Studio Alchimia
By Alessandro Guerriero
Located in New York, NY
We are thrilled to present this unique cabinet and shelf by avant-garde architect Alessandro Guerrerio for Studio Alchimia. Guerrerio authenticated this piece himself, confirming it ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Cabinets

Materials

Hardwood

White Bar Cabinet
By CPRN HOMOOD
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant design that combines functionality and visual appeal, this bar cabinet is the ultimate accessory for any outdoor decor. Constructed on an aluminum frame covered with handw...
Category

2010s Italian Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

White Bar Cabinet
$20,579 / item

Recently Viewed

View All