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: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Mirrors are versatile pieces of interior décor with the power to influence their surroundings; they create depth, increase light reflection, and add a statement to any space. Fusing function and form, mirrors offer useful reflection while also providing an eye-catching focal point in any room. This beautiful Italian mirror is stylish, with a simple but timeless look.
In the early days, mirrors were made from obsidian, a smooth black stone, and metals, such as copper and bronze. The use of glass in mirror-making was initially developed during the rise of the glass industry, and later revolutionised by Murano glass-makers. The play on materials and geometry, with the mirror’s clean and symmetrical lines, creates a neat, modern look. The brass, the ultimate material of 20th century design is balanced out by the glass surface. The reflective facet and the frame are seamlessly connected, making the frame almost seem like it is floating. The organic frame which showcases the beautiful patina of the brass provides simple elegance, making this mirror perfect for bringing some understated modernism into a room.
As this model shows, an accent mirror can fulfill as a clear role in a home, while reflecting the mid-century Italian style. It can serve equally well in a hallway, bathroom or living room, either mounted on a wall or spontaneously leaned against it.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The mirror has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks, scratches, chips and discolouration.
Dimensions:
33.27 in W x 0.78 in D x 36.99 in H
84.5 cm W x 2 cm D x 96.5 cm H