Rare Fiberglass Directors Desk by Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl

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 and the wooden writing surface are lacquered in an anthracite color. The lockable writing surface can be opened to reveal a large storage compartment. On the inside of the compartment there is switch which can lock and unlock the drawers. Above the writing surface there is an aluminum panel with ceramic inset trays and five pen holders. The desk has two drawers on the right side, the top drawer has a removable tray for small items. On the left side you can find two more drawers, the bottom drawer has a removable paper organizer. On the bottom of the desk there is an anthracite carpet in the same grey color as the drawers and the writing surface. This desk truly fits within the ethos of the seventies featuring the commonly used material of that time named fiberglass and the use of round shapes .

Ernest Igl strived for the creation of an outstanding desk that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. Ernest Hofmann (1920-2001) – in 1954, he gave himself the artist name ‘Igl’ – was as 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.