Vintage Teak Desk Nanna Ditzel, 1950s

A super sleek iconic Danish mid century teak four drawer desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Circa late 1950's.

Affectionately known later as the cassette-shape desk, it has been re-finished by hand, still retaining a few light authentic marks to highlight its genuine heritage.

To note one of the drawers has a dowel added near the escutcheon, this is original, I can only think that this was intended to be drilled out for the the escutcheon but was in the wrong place. This is not very noticeable, please refer to photograph number 19. There is a small dent to the top in the middle, near the front. You should be able to make this out in photograph number 20. The right hand side has a slightly darker patch as seen in photograph number 7.

The drawers are full length with recessed design handles. All work very smoothly, and have oak sides and backs with dovetail construction. Two of the drawers have a central divider. The end drawer has a key made to work the lock, with a spare key included. There is a mark to the interior of this drawer. The desktop is veneered in book match crown teak. The legs have the original brass bolts, which are secure.

Additional dimensions information:

Kneehole space from the floor to the underside is 61cm high.


Whilst she is probably best known for her iconic 1959 'Hanging Egg Chair', the career of renowned designer Nanna Ditzel cannot be distilled into a single design or aesthetic, but is rather defined by her eclecticism, insatiable appetite for innovation, and rebellious spirit.

Born in Copenhagen in 1923, Ditzel first trained as a cabinetmaker before continuing her education at the School of Arts and Crafts and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Upon her graduation in 1946, Nanna, alongside her husband, Jørgen, established her first design studio. The partnership was enormously successful, and together they enjoyed both critical and commercial success for their simple, yet innovative furniture designs.