Bauhaus S 285 Desk Celebrates 75

An icon of German industrial modernism celebrates its 75 anniversary. It’s the famous S 285 desk, designed by one of the most famous members of the Bauhaus movement – Marcel Breuer. The goal of Bauhaus was “to create a total work of art in which all arts, including architecture would eventually be brought together”. I don’t know if they ever achieved that goal, however, what they did was influenced the architecture, fine art and industrial design across the whole world.

Marcel Breuer was an architect and his furniture designs follow what he’d learn as an architect. The S 285 is one of the first attempts at creating an object of furniture with exposed metallic parts. Its tubular steel carcass has since become a classic. The body in stained ash or open pore varnish is available in various shades. Black is the most popular but I’ve also seen a maroon one? Looks really great!

It is, I should say, a mighty expensive bit of furniture. Prices vary a lot, but expect to pay at least £2000 for yours.