Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann 'Jet' Corner Desk in Brown & Orange Polyurethane

Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71

Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an international audience for his design work. An orange-colored version of a similar model furnished the MIB headquarters in the movie Men in Black 3 (2012). In 2009, the US company Steelcase re-edited Hofmann's desk, the 'Igl-Jet', producing a limited edition of 1,970 pieces. When the desk was first made in 1970-71, Hofmann employed groundbreaking technology for his designs. His initial desk was one of the first to be made entirely out of plastic. The revolutionary concept and grand vision behind this corner desk are evident in its rounded corners, soft edges, and stunning shapes. A remarkable feature is the movable construction, making it possible to position it as one long item or as a corner desk. Two storage compartments with drawers allow the user to store its stationary. This sophisticated storage facility, along with details such as geometrically shaped drawers and round ornaments truly contribute to the unique design idea.

In 1969, a successful collaboration between German office furniture maker Werndl and Ernest Hofmann began. With the desks 'Igl-Top' and 'Igl-Jet', as well as a shelf, Hofmann secured an important role in office furniture design during 1970-1971. His designs were groundbreaking and only possible due to the use of a new material. Hofmann designed the first one-piece desk made entirely out of polyurethane. The material was liquid and poured into a mold, where two components reacted together to form a flat, hard surface. By using plastic, Hofmann was able to create a desk with unusual organic shapes and rounded corners.

Ernest Hofmann (1920-2001) – in 1954, he gave himself the artist name ‘Igl’ – was a multi talent. He, a designer, sculptor, illustrator, and inventor, designed everything from a harvester machine to office appliances, a microscope, and rubber boots. His oeuvre includes an impressive number of products used for all kinds of situations in life. Hofmann, born in Prague in 1920, studied graphic arts in his hometown, in Karlsbad and in Munich, where he and his wife settled. Hofmann firstly worked as an illustrator, graphic artist, and cartoonist for well-known schoolbook publishers. In 1962, they moved to Rosenheim, which marked the beginning of Hofmann’s more design orientated career.

Kindly be advised that the color palette of this item can be tailored to specific wishes of our clients. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts to discuss your wishes regarding finishing. Your special requests can be realized by the experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration and upholstery atelier. With high attention to the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. Please note that a custom-made desk has a lead-time of twelve to fourteen weeks. All to meet our high-quality and standards.

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