Items Similar to Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane
About the Item
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 audience for his design work. An orange-colored version of a similar model 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. Hofmann incorporated two compartments of drawers on a curved base, with a lockable writing surface that opens to reveal a large storage compartment. This sophisticated storage facility, along with details such as geometrically shaped drawers and rounded contours 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.
Please note that the desk has undergone a complete restoration. The surface has been refinished with a new white lacquer. Meticulous care was taken to preserve the original design, ensuring that this piece remains durable and timeless for years to come.
- Creator:Wilhelm Werndl (Manufacturer),Ernest Igl (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.29 in (82 cm)Width: 71.07 in (180.5 cm)Depth: 31.11 in (79 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: 501153351stDibs: LU933140016722
Ernest Igl
Ernest Igl graduated from the Karlsbad Commercial Academy in 1938 and then attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and the Academy of Applied Arts in Munich. After the war, he worked as a draftsman and graphic artist in Munich. Igl enjoyed a high reputation as one of the first illustrators at major school book publishers and distinguished himself as an internationally sought-after industrial designer. He died in Davos in 2001.
About the Seller
4.9
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Diamond Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2006
1stDibs seller since 2012
5,353 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Waalwijk, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllErnest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Directors Desk in Marble Look Fiberglass
By Wilhelm Werndl, Ernest Igl
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 H. Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Cabinet in White Polyurethane
By Ernest Igl, Wilhelm Werndl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, shelving sideboard, polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71
Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
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' Hofmann Corner Desk in White 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 '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
Rare Fiberglass Directors Desk by Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, 1970s
By Ernest Igl, Wilhelm Werndl
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful Space Age directors desk, in very good condition.
Designed by by Ernest Igl in the 1970s.
Manufactured by Wilhelm Werndl, Germany.
The body of this desk is entirely made of molded fiberglass and lacquered in a white color.
The carved wood drawers...
Category
Late 20th Century German Space Age Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
"tip igl" Desk & chair, Ernest Igl, Hadi
By Ernest Igl
Located in Neuss, NW
Rare "tip igl" desk with chair from the 1970s by Ernest Igl for Hadi. High-quality frame with dyed through plastic corpus (NOVODUR®️) in green with hinged writing surface and storage compartments underneath, three rotating storage compartments, a magazine rack, a swivel lamp made of white lacquered metal and the very rare green glazed ceramic shell...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Curved Directors desk in walnut, Italy 1940s
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Curved Directors desk in walnut with wooden knob details and hand carved drawers, Italy 1940s.
Although the designer and maker are unknown, t...
Category
Vintage 1940s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Curved Directors Desk In Walnut, Italy 1940s
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Curved Directors desk in walnut with wooden knob details and hand carved drawers, Italy 1940s.
Although the designer and maker are unknown, this details on desk show true ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Writing Desk for Winchendon
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern writing desk by Paul McCobb features a wonderful maple finish with unique brass drawer pulls. Tapered legs and spacious four drawer design make this a stylish...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
French Antique Writing Desk / Writing Table in Mahogany
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5624 Fine quality late XIXth century French mahogany writing desk of generous proportions, having original tooled green leather to the top which has a brass edge flanked by two sli...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
