Mid-century modern EDU desk with drawers
Model D-21-C
Design: Charles and Ray Eames
Production: Herman Miller
USA, 1952-1955
Walnut, steel, chrome-plated steel, Masonite
The Eames EDU desks -- counterparts to the ESU shelving system -- were a radical statement of modern design values when they debuted in 1950, and they're still fresh and relevant today. This example is from the second generation of production, 1952-1955, which included a range of structural changes that improved durability. It features colorful panels in red, blue, yellow, and black accenting a walnut top and chrome-plated steel frame. The top drawer includes angled sorters, and the bottom drawer has an adjustable rail to hang files of different sizes.
Any label that may have originally been on the desk is gone, but the underside of the desktop is debossed with the series name, D20. D20 desk model numbers follow this pattern: (D) for desk, (20 or 21) for drawers right or left, and (C or N) for colorful or neutral panels. So this D20 series desk is model number D-21-C.
A good history of the EDU can be found here: https://eames.com/en/edu
DIMENSIONS
60" wide, 28" deep, 29.5" high
CONDITION
Structurally sound. Drawers operate correctly. Surfaces besides the desktop show signs of age and light wear -- an attractive patina appropriate to a piece of this vintage. The walnut top shows heavier wear with scratches, dings, and paint stains. There are several small veneer chips, some of which appear to have been filled with wood putty by a DIYer long ago, particularly along the two short edges of the desktop.
TOP CONDITION OPTIONS
For lovers of patina, the extensive wear on the top tells the story of a piece well-loved over its seven decades, and the top can be kept as-is. For others, the top can be refinished to dial-back the patina. Refinishing would remove the paint stains (both the obvious marks on the surface and the subtler cloudy effect of white paint left only in the grain,) re-enrich the natural color of the walnut, and provide us an opportunity to fill and color blend the chips in a process akin to dental fillings. The surface would still look old and still show extensive marks and impressions from use, but the overall appearance would be more consistent, and the top would be protected with a new finish. Allow about two weeks for refinishing if selected.
SHIPPING & PICKUP
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Pickup at our Seattle warehouse is free.