Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Price Realized: $1,216 Includes buyer's premium
A mid-century modern office desk designed by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller, featuring a curved zebrawood veneered top over an open frame structure supported by tubular chrome legs
Zebrawood, veneer, steel, chrome
27 1/4 x 65 x 26 inches
labeled
Peter Protzman was an American industrial designer celebrated for his contribution to mid-century modern office furniture design. Trained in industrial and interior architecture, Protzman achieved significant recognition during his tenure with the prominent manufacturer Herman Miller in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His most famous achievement is the 1970 Protzman Tubular Seating collection, which featured innovatively bent tubular steel frames paired with sculpted wood veneers or upholstered shells. Operating in the design orbit of legendary peers like Charles Eames and Robert Propst, Protzman sought to soften the rigid aesthetic of the mid-century corporate environment. His work effectively bridged the gap between utilitarian contract furniture and sculptural high modernism, proving that mass-produced office seating could possess distinct artistic merit.
From a Private Chelsea Collection
Good condition; two small chips to the veneer on the reverse side.
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Condition reports are based on visual inspection by the Capsule team under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all lots are previously owned and all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot.
Art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. Frames, lampshades, or items described as “supplementary” are not considered integral to the value of the lot and are excluded from condition assessments. This includes any mat, mounting, glazing, hanging apparatus, case, box, or stand. Timepiece movements, lighting elements and items with mechanical or electrical components have not been thoroughly tested and are not covered under warranty by Capsule.
