Brutalist Wooden Magazine Rack, Europe Mid-20th Century

Brutalist Wooden Magazine Rack, Europe Mid-20th Century

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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

Magazine racks have been around since the middle ages, but as literacy rates increased around the world, and printed media became more accessible, they rose in popularity. By the mid-20th century, they represented an iconic piece of design that adapted to the style of the time. Pieces like this wooden rack reflect the Brutalist movement of the time, while still serving a functional purpose in an era before the widespread adoption of computers.

This wooden rack shows how designers paid great attention to small domestic items that served everyday life, while still contributing to a visually appealing interior. The piece has a highly architectural construction and hand-worked surface. The rack is built entirely from solid wood and composed through an arrangement of intersecting vertical and diagonal supports. The central handle rises upward in a tapering rectangular form, anchoring the composition visually while also functioning as a practical grip for moving the piece. Thin supports extend outward to hold the printed material. Along the lower section, the horizontal base introduces a strong Brutalist character through its organic look and visibly worked surface. The wood retains a rich natural grain throughout, while the slight natural variation of the structural elements prevent the composition from feeling rigid despite its geometric construction.

Rather than treating storage as purely functional, many designers of the mid-century managed to create pieces like magazine stands, newspaper holders, and side tables that additions to a room while maintaining their use. Even when empty, this magazine rack catches the eye, not through excess but through its masterful use of wood and unique form.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The magazine rack has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

16.54 in W x 12.01 in D x 20.87 in H

42 cm W x 30.5 cm D x 53 cm H

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

This vase exhibits understated elegance and a timeless appeal. With an emphasis on balance and harmony, it blends traditional craftsmanship with organic aesthetics and is exemplary of Maud Fredin-Fredholm’s artistry. The practice of ceramics has a longstanding and celebrated tradition in Scandinavia, although it wasn’t until in the mid-20th century, where artists were drawn again to material experimentation and innovation - balancing the boundaries between function and aesthetics.

This vase is a playful example of the eccentric side of Scandinavian mid-century ceramic design. The organicity is quite literally expressed, representing the rare, more decorative models of Swedish modernism. There is a focus on the ceramic body, as it features a beautiful and organic colour palette with illustrative details, giving a clear artistic touch. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, it also offers practical benefits, serving as a focal point that draws the eye and anchors the room's visual narrative. Both decorative and functional, this object embodies the quiet sophistication that defines Swedish mid-century pieces. As an authentic example of 1940s Scandinavian ceramics, it offers a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and everyday usability. Stylish yet understated, the vase stands as a refined expression of Maud Fredin-Fredholm and Bo Fajans’ enduring design legacy.

A well-chosen decorative piece can change the overall look of a room and how it feels to inhabit the space. This vase is the perfect addition to bring a touch of organic elegance to any space without it being overwhelming. Its unique character makes it a timeless example of the golden age of ceramic design.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. The vase comes with a brass insert, which is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

9.45 in ø × 21.26 in H

24 cm ø x 54 cm H

"Breathing" Sculpture by Ineke van Zuuren, The Netherlands 1970s

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

“Breathing'“ by Dutch sculptor Ineke van Zuuren is an exploration of organic abstraction. Van Zuuren transforms a dense block of wood into a form that feels remarkably fluid and alive. Rather than depicting the human figure directly, van Zuuren suggests its presence through graceful curves, balanced proportions, and an elegant sense of movement.

The rich, dark tones of the sculpture are complemented by the wood’s striking natural grain, which becomes an integral part of the composition. Smoothly sculpted convex and concave surfaces catch the light beautifully, emphasising the subtle transitions in the form while highlighting the warmth and tactile quality of the material. The result is a work that feels both monumental and intimate, celebrating the expressive possibilities of solid wood. This sculpture is undoubtedly as captivating from afar as it is up close. This work invites viewers to engage with the interplay of tradition and innovation, celebrating the enduring appeal of solid wood as a medium for artistic expression.

This piece is also a rare representation of Dutch Post-Modernist design, an interesting phase of cultural, social impacts with artists and designers trying to figure out their way towards leaving their marks.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the sculpture may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

23.62 in W x 13.38 in D x 33.46 in H

60 cm W x 34 cm D x 85 cm H

Metal Tray with Wicker Wrapped Handles by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang for Torben Ørskov & Co, Denmark ca 1950s

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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

Finn Juhl is celebrated for his sculptural approach to furniture and household design. Rooted in the principles of modernism and influenced by the Scandinavian cultural emphasis on practicality and beauty, Danish designers like Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, sought to create furniture and household objects that were both elegant and accessible. Danish design flourished in this era, embodying a timeless aesthetic that prioritised human comfort and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for its post-war international acclaim.

This tray by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, is a refined example of Danish Modern design at its most understated. Crafted from folded sheet metal with a matte black finish, the tray is elevated by its distinctive hand-wrapped wicker handles, which introduce warmth, texture, and a tactile quality to an otherwise minimalist form. The thoughtful contrast between industrial and natural materials reflects the enduring Danish design philosophy of balancing functionality with organic beauty. Both functional and decorative, the tray can be used at home serving drinks or displayed as a sculptural object. Its clean architectural lines, softened by the wicker-wrapped handles, embody the timeless appeal of mid-century Danish design. Pieces like this are increasingly sought after for their rarity and quiet sophistication.

Whether it is displayed as a centerpiece or used for everyday purposes, this tray encapsulates the timeless appeal of mid-century modern Danish design and the unparalleled craftsmanship of its era.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The tray has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item has marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

17.72 in W × 12.40 in D × 0.59 in H

45 cm W x 31.5 cm D x 1.5 cm H

Basket with Wicker Wrapped Handles by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang for Torben Ørskov & Co., Denmark 1950s

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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

Finn Juhl (1912 – 1989) was an architect, interior and industrial designer from Denmark. He is regarded as one of the leading figures of Danish design in the 1940s and was the first to successfully introduce the “Danish Modern” design style to America. Danish design flourished in this era, embodying a timeless aesthetic that prioritised human comfort and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for its post-war international acclaim.

Rooted in the principles of modernism and influenced by the Scandinavian cultural emphasis on practicality and beauty, this basket by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, is a refined example of Danish Modern design at its most understated. Crafted from folded sheet metal in a refined matte black finish, this stand-out piece is elevated by hand-wrapped wicker handles that add warmth, texture, and tactile appeal to its minimalist silhouette. The juxtaposition of industrial metal and natural wicker reflects the timeless Danish design tradition of combining functionality with organic beauty. The basket balances smooth lines with the softness of its woven handles. Its understated character and mid-century Danish aesthetic make it a timeless addition to the home, while its quiet sophistication and deep ties to danish design history make pieces of this kind increasingly sought after.

Designers like Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, sought to create furniture and household objects that were both elegant and accessible. Whether it is displayed as a centerpiece or used for everyday purposes, this basket encapsulates the timeless appeal of mid-century modern Danish design and the unparalleled craftsmanship of its era.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The basket has recently been reconditioned. Some scratches are present. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks and discolouration.

Dimensions:

11.81 in W x 8.26 in D x 13.38 in H

30 cm W x 21 cm D x 34 cm H