Poul Kjærholm

Collection of the artist
Thence by descent

Michael Sheridan, The Furniture of Poul Kjærholm:  Catalogue Raisonné, New York, 2007, pp. 96-99

Overall in very good original condition. This table was formerly in the collection of the Poul Kjærholm and used for decades as his personal desk. This lot is being sold on behalf of the family of the artist. The top of the table presents with minor surface scratches, gentle rubbing to finish, edge nicks and dings consistent with gentle use. There is one small burnt discoloration that appears the result of the Kjærholm's own cigarette to the center portion of the top. When viewed in person, top of the table is slightly less yellow than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The chromium-plated steel frame with discoloration, oxidation, dullness, rubbing to the finish and surface dirt consistent with the aging process of the material and gentle use. The current condition of the chromium-plated surfaces are visible in the catalogue illustration. The table retains all of its original hardware.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work table from Poul Kjærholm’s personal residence displays his design ideology as a true “architect” of furniture.  The table’s Oregon pine veneered top and chromium-plated steel frame are characterized by simplified surfaces and use of mass production methods to create a functional, yet stylized piece of furniture.  Kjærholm’s use of ready-made steel angles in his furniture was important to his conception of design, and heralded a breakthrough when he first used these elements to make furniture for the School of Architecture at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen in 1955.  These steel angles were remarkably assembeld so that they would not touch, leaving gaps where discrete machine screws provided stability.  The ability to scale the base size depending on function and space was especially important to Kjærholm’s concept of modular planes in furniture construction.  Here, his design distills the table’s form to an essence of graceful, architectonic line—a testament to the artist’s ideology and everyday use of this furniture in his own residence.