Warren Platner Writing Desk in Oak with Black Leather Top

Warren Platner for Knoll International, writing desk from the Executive Collection, leather, chromed metal, oak, United States, design 1973, production 1974-1980.

In 1973, Warren Platner designed a collection of executive office furniture for one of his clients, Mortgage Guarantee Investment Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Massive in its scale and elegant in its use of leather and chrome, the system made a dramatic executive office statement.

This heavy, sturdy desk is designed by the American modernist Warren Platner. He is most known for his airy metal, sculptural lounge chairs. The three materials chromed metal, black leather and blonde oak wood combine beautifully in color and texture. The chromed metal T-shaped base brings a well open balanced feel to its overall design.

Warren Platner (1919-2006) was originally trained as an architect and studied at Cornell University. Although Platner made notable architectural contributions throughout his career, it was his furniture collection for Knoll that earned Platner worldwide renown. Originally introduced by Knoll in 1966, the Platner collection is an icon of modern furniture. In his early years Platner worked for the architect Eero Saarinen. Platner is famous for his refined and theatrical designs, and he did not shy away for color.

Knoll International was founded in New York by the 26-year-old German Hans Knoll (1914-1955) in 1938. Hans' father, Walter Knoll was a true modernist and furniture manufacturer who had a reputation for quality. When Hans Knoll died at a young age his wife Florence Knoll took over and under her influence the company flourished and created its best designs. She designed and led the company where she cooperated with talented designers such as Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Richard Schultz and Harry Bertoia.