Unique One Off Secretary Cabinet By Robsjohn Gibbings, 1955

Item details

Height

135.0 cm

Width

84.5 cm

Depth

45.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Good

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

Elegant drop front desk secretary in solid cherry, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and made by
't Woonhuys.
This design differs in quite a few details from the later production version made by Widdicomb.
This is a one-off piece specially made for a Dutch villa in the woods near the Dutch Royal Estate.
The previous owners commissioned an architect to design their villa and interior in the 1950s.
All furniture was custom made by furniture makers from 't Woonhuys in Amsterdam.
The key is marked "'t Woonhuys" on one side and Amsterdam on the reverse.
Excellent craftsmanship and loving care made sure that this piece is still in outstanding original condition.
This is a museum quality piece.

Furniture factory 't Woonhuys was located around 1907 in a building at Vijzelstraat 56-60 in Amsterdam. In 1918 the company moved to the Prinsengracht. When Michel de Klerk created a sensation with his interior designs for Het Scheepvaarthuis, director F.J. Zeegers asked him to design furniture that Woonhuys could then manufacture in larger quantities.
Hildo Krop also made drawings for the Amsterdam company. Because names are hardly mentioned anywhere in the archive for the sketches and drawings, it is difficult to link names to individual designs.
There is discussion about whether producing furniture in (limited) series fits with the character of the Amsterdam School: after all, this was a movement in which individual expression played such an important role. In addition, the interiors produced by 't Woonhuys were often unaffordable for workers.

Condition report:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use.

Material
Glass, Nickel, Cherry Wood
Manufactured
1950s
Origin
Netherlands
Item location
Dronten , Netherlands
Period
Mid 20th Century
Condition
Used

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Professional
Located in Dronten, Netherlands
  • Ships from Dronten, Netherlands

Cancellations and Returns

Last updated: 24th March 2025

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However, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and you may need to cancel or return an order.

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