Jay Spectre Desk, circa 1970-1980
View Similar Items
Jay Spectre Desk, circa 1970-1980
About the Item
- Creator:Jay Spectre (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 56 in (142.24 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970-1980
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor restoration to top surface, as shown. Desk can be finished in a dark cerused tone, at buyers expense, if desired.
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU251936679823
Jay Spectre
From arranging window displays as a teenager to securing a preeminent position in the decorating and design sphere, Jay Spectre had an extraordinary career. He drew on a range of influences for his lounge chairs, chests of drawers and coffee tables of the 1970s and ‘80s, and is best known for these furnishings as well as his interiors of the era.
For his eponymous Manhattan firm, Spectre created modern, delectable interiors for luxury homes, private aircraft, yachts and offices — his clientele included corporations and affluent figures all over the world — and for his sophisticated furnishings and decor, he found inspiration in Art Deco as well as in Asian and African art..
Spectre’s career in design began modestly — he worked as a window dresser in his Kentucky hometown. He had big plans, however, and moved to New York City, where he would establish the Jay Spectre Inc. design firm. During interviews in the years that followed, Spectre spoke highly of Hollywood glamour and its impact on his work. He was interested in the forces of modernism and technology, and was greatly inspired by the Art Deco era, which was brought to global attention at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. The movement’s textile designers integrated floral motifs and vivid colors into their works, while Art Deco furniture makers were fond of dark woods, modern metals and decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides.
In 1985, in order to grant large manufacturers the rights to produce Spectre’s furniture designs, he formed a licensing firm called J.S.P.S. Inc. with South African-born interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield. This was the era that brought Spectre recognition, awards, and numerous high-profile clients that the designer called “silent celebrities” (they deeply valued their privacy).
Spectre also created furniture that was aimed at younger consumers and intended to be affordable. He introduced an Art Deco–informed spirit at North Carolina’s Century Furniture — a brand that is known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors — where he created oversize, inviting lounge chairs and bentwood benches that featured plush tufted leather cushions. Spectre’s Eclipse collection was at one point among the largest-selling lines for the brand.
Spectre was named one of the top eight designers in America by the Smithsonian Institution for their "Giants of Design 1979" exhibition. He earned a pair of awards from the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1982 and 1983, and was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1986.
Find vintage Jay Spectre seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- Louis XVI Secretaire a AbattantLocated in Pasadena, CAThis is a very good example of a late 18th century Louis XVI Secretaire a Abattant. The secretaire is crafted of solid walnut and is a ...Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
MaterialsBrass
- Set of Four Faux Bamboo Chairs and Table, c. 1970-1980Located in Pasadena, CAThis is an unusual set of 4 Chinese Chippendale cast aluminum side chairs in the Chinese Chippendale style together with a matching cast aluminum faux bamboo table with a glass top. ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Sets
MaterialsAluminum
- Inlaid Satinwood Double Pedestal DeskLocated in Pasadena, CAThis is a very attractive and unusual Mid-19th Century satinwood double pedestal desk. True 19th century satinwood is an expensive, very desirable and rare. The wood is fine grained, but figured, and used principally in veneer work and in inlay. The combination of the the pale satinwood outlined with the graphic faux ebony outlining of the drawers and top, combined with the scrolling detailed inlay, creates a unique piece with great visual interest. Currently the drawers must be opened with a key. We have ordered appropriate 19th century-style bail pulls...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Silver Plated Notepad Caddy-Desk AccessoryLocated in Pasadena, CAVery chic Moderne hallmarked silver plated desk accessory--this is a gift for the executive who has everything. Overall very good condition with some rubbing to edge of back.Category
Mid-20th Century French Streamlined Moderne More Desk Accessories
MaterialsSilver Plate
- French Academic Drawing, circa 1945-50Located in Pasadena, CAThis is a large mid-century French Academic drawing by J. L. Clemenceau (listed artist) that dates to circa 1945-50. The drawing was removed f...Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Drawings
MaterialsPaper
- Campaign Secretary Chest (Desk), Mid-19th CenturyLocated in Pasadena, CAThis is a wonderful mid-19th century English Campaign Secretaire Chest. The chest is in overall very good condition and appears to retain its original surface (perhaps old refinish),...Category
Antique 1860s English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Desk in Cerused Oak by Jay SpectreBy Jay SpectreLocated in Palm Springs, CAWonderful desk in Cerused oak with round drawer pedestal and glass top for Century Furniture. Incredibly versatile piece with great scale. Metal label in drawer reads "Century Jay Sp...Category
20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Desks
MaterialsOak, Glass
- Jay Spectre 2 Drawer Chest of Drawers, 1980s (Signed)By Jay Spectre, Century FurnitureLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis is one absolutely beautiful Jay Spectre for Century Furniture bleached oak 2 door chest of drawers with brushed steel base 1980s (Signed). This piece...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rare Jay Spectre "Perceptive" Drop Front DeskBy Jay SpectreLocated in Chicago, ILPrimavera and brushed stainless steel drop front secretary has four drawers with brushed steel Art Deco inspired pulls, plus additional shelf storage. Origami angularity turns this e...Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Large Design Desk in Steel and Glass, circa 1970-1980Located in Saint-Ouen, FRLarge design desk in steel and glass, circa 1970-1980.Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsSteel
- Custom Cerused Oak Armoire, Jay SpectreBy Jay Spectre, Century FurnitureLocated in New York, NYCustom Finished, Cerused Oak wardrobe by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture. Wardrobe features 2 large bottom drawers and doors open to reveal a series of cubicles and smaller drawers...Category
20th Century American Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
MaterialsNickel
$7,840 Sale Price20% Off - Rattan Wicker Pedestal Desk, Spain, circa 1980Located in London, GBA rattan wicker pedestal desk, Spain, circa 1980. Comprised of six drawers, one of which is a double deep drawer ideal for files. Neatly proportioned. Presented with original glass...Category
Vintage 1980s Spanish Desks
MaterialsWicker