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Rare 1960s Floating Modular Shelving System Wall Unit By Brianco
About the Item
Mid-Century Modern Modular Teak and Metal Floating Shelving Wall Unit by Brianco, United Kingdom, 1960s
Elevate your interior with this exquisite mid-century modern floating shelving wall unit by Brianco, a British manufacturer based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, known for its high-quality modular shelving systems in the 1960s. This highly decorative piece exemplifies the era’s emphasis on form, function, and versatility, featuring a modular construction with adjustable shelves that make it a perfect addition for collectors, designers, or anyone seeking to enhance their space with timeless style.
The shelving unit comprises two wall-mounted sections, each crafted with a sleek black metal frame designed in a ladder-like structure of vertical rods and horizontal crossbars. This open framework allows the shelves to be adjusted to various heights, providing flexibility to display books, decorative objects, or personal items with ease. The metal rods are slender and powder-coated in a matte black finish, creating a striking contrast with the warmth of the wooden shelves and embodying the mid-century modern aesthetic of clean lines and material harmony. The shelves are made of solid teak, showcasing a rich golden-brown hue with a straight to slightly wavy grain, accented by the wood’s natural oils that lend a subtle sheen and depth. A standout feature is the ebonised edges of the shelves, where the teak has been meticulously stained black, creating a bold, graphic contrast that frames each shelf and enhances the unit’s modernist appeal. This combination of teak’s organic warmth and the ebonised edges’ sharp definition adds a layer of sophistication to the design, making it both functional and visually captivating.
Measuring 122cm in height, 158cm in width, and 32.5cm in depth, the unit is well-proportioned for a variety of spaces, from a living room to a home office. The shelves come in two depths—20.5cm and 30.5cm—each 76cm wide, providing ample surface area for display while maintaining a light, airy presence. The modular design allows for reconfiguration, making it adaptable to different room layouts or aesthetic preferences. The interplay between the black metal frame, the teak shelves, and the ebonised edges creates a compelling visual balance: the metal lends a modern, industrial edge, while the teak grounds the piece with its warm, organic texture, a hallmark of mid-century design.
Brianco, based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was a notable British manufacturer during the 1960s, operating in a city with a strong industrial heritage that supported furniture production. The company became well-regarded for its modular shelving systems, which drew inspiration from Scandinavian designs like the iconic String shelving by Nils "Nisse" Strinning, often leading to comparisons with these systems. Brianco’s designs reflect the broader mid-century trend of creating practical, space-saving furniture for the postwar market, catering to a growing middle class seeking stylish yet functional pieces. This shelving unit, with its use of luxurious teak and ebonised edges, showcases Brianco’s ability to blend international design influences with British craftsmanship, resulting in a piece that is both adaptable and elegant. The ebonised edges, in particular, add a touch of sophistication, echoing the graphic contrasts popular in European mid-century design.
In great condition throughout, the shelving unit shows signs of age and use that enhance its vintage charm. The metal frame exhibits minor scuffs and marks, while the teak shelves display slight wear to the finish, including faint scratches and patina that testify to its history. The ebonised edges remain intact, with only minimal wear that does not detract from their bold contrast. These imperfections add to the piece’s authenticity, making it an ideal choice for a collector of mid-century design or anyone looking to add a functional yet decorative element to their home.
Dimensions:
Height: 122cm
Width: 158cm
Depth: 32.5cm
Shelf Dimensions: 20.5cm and 30.5cm deep x 76cm wide
Condition: Great condition with signs of age and use, including minor scuffs and marks on the metal frame and slight wear to the finish on the teak shelves, such as faint scratches and patina, consistent with its vintage status. The ebonised edges show minimal wear, maintaining their striking contrast.
Provenance: Brianco, United Kingdom, 1960s.
- Dimensions:Height: 48.04 in (122 cm)Width: 62.21 in (158 cm)Depth: 12.8 in (32.5 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Tonbridge, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9703244135832
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