C. 1958 Gordon Bunshaft of SOM / Alcoa / GF Studios Italic Desk for General Fireproofing Co.
This is an Italic Desk, designed by Alcoa / Reynolds / GF Studios for Gordon Bunshaft and SOM's Reynolds Metals Headquarters in Richmond, VA. The design is largely seen as a collaboration, as SOM was hugely involved in furniture design at that time through the leadership of Bunshaft. The collaborators such as GF Studios and Alcoa were able to help in providing material and manufacturing. Overall, the idea was to create a desk from Aluminum for the headquarters of this company focused on metal (Reynolds). The desk’s frame is made from steel, and its design includes 4 drawers, with one being a file drawer. This desk has metal trim matte brass electroplated-aluminum, and it has a woodgrain laminate top. Bunshaft was an important American architect; a leading figure in the modernist movement who was widely recognized for his work in skyscraper design.
The desk measures 41 inches deep, 80 inches wide, and 30 inches high. There are some scratches and scuffs on the sides and the legs, and there are some areas of wear around the edges. Overall, this desk is in very good original condition with some signs of use. Please see photos.