








Original ‘Igl’ Ernest Hofmann for Werndl Free-Standing Desk 'Igl-Jet' in Polyurethane
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‘Igl’ Ernest Hofmann for Werndl, desk model 'Igl-Jet', polyurethane, wood, Germany, 1970/71
Ernest Hofmann’s, artist name ‘Igl’, design recently gained international audience. The same model in an orange color furnished the MIB headquarters in the movie ‘Men in Black 3’ (2012). In 2009, the US company ‘Steelcase’ re-edited the desk ‘Igl-Jet’ and produced a limited-edition of 1970 pieces. At the time the desk was firstly made, which was in 1970/71, Hofmann used a groundbreaking technology for his designs. In fact, the first desk he designed, was one of the first desks that has been made fully out of a plastic material. The revolutionary idea and grand vision behind the design of this desk can still be seen in the rounded corners, soft edges and stunning shapes. The version of this desk is a later model where the designer used compressed wood as the material for the top. Hofmann placed two compartments of drawers on oval shaped feet. The thick tabletop lays not directly on the drawers but with a bold, airy space between both elements. Details like this but also the geometrically shaped drawers and round ornaments on the side, truly contribute to the unique design idea. More details on the back of the desk, make it a beautifully free-standing desk.
In 1969, the successful cooperation between German office furniture maker Werndl and Ernest Hofmann began. With the desks ‘Igl-Top’ and ‘Igl-Jet’ as well as with a shelf, Hofmann managed to secure himself an important role in the office furniture design (1970/1971). The design was totally new and only possible due to the use of a new material. In fact, Hofmann designed the first one-piece desk that was made fully out of polyurethan. The material was liquid and poured into the shape. There, the two components reacted together and resembled into a flat, hard surface. With the use of plastic, Hofmann was able to design a desk with unusual organic shapes and rounded corners.
Ernest Hofmann (1920-2001) – in 1954, he gave himself the artist name ‘Igl’ – was as 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 note that this item is in good, used condition.
Ernest Hofmann’s, artist name ‘Igl’, design recently gained international audience. The same model in an orange color furnished the MIB headquarters in the movie ‘Men in Black 3’ (2012). In 2009, the US company ‘Steelcase’ re-edited the desk ‘Igl-Jet’ and produced a limited-edition of 1970 pieces. At the time the desk was firstly made, which was in 1970/71, Hofmann used a groundbreaking technology for his designs. In fact, the first desk he designed, was one of the first desks that has been made fully out of a plastic material. The revolutionary idea and grand vision behind the design of this desk can still be seen in the rounded corners, soft edges and stunning shapes. The version of this desk is a later model where the designer used compressed wood as the material for the top. Hofmann placed two compartments of drawers on oval shaped feet. The thick tabletop lays not directly on the drawers but with a bold, airy space between both elements. Details like this but also the geometrically shaped drawers and round ornaments on the side, truly contribute to the unique design idea. More details on the back of the desk, make it a beautifully free-standing desk.
In 1969, the successful cooperation between German office furniture maker Werndl and Ernest Hofmann began. With the desks ‘Igl-Top’ and ‘Igl-Jet’ as well as with a shelf, Hofmann managed to secure himself an important role in the office furniture design (1970/1971). The design was totally new and only possible due to the use of a new material. In fact, Hofmann designed the first one-piece desk that was made fully out of polyurethan. The material was liquid and poured into the shape. There, the two components reacted together and resembled into a flat, hard surface. With the use of plastic, Hofmann was able to design a desk with unusual organic shapes and rounded corners.
Ernest Hofmann (1920-2001) – in 1954, he gave himself the artist name ‘Igl’ – was as 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 note that this item is in good, used condition.
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Original ‘Igl’ Ernest Hofmann for Werndl Free-Standing Desk 'Igl-Jet' in Polyurethane
Sale price$15,600.00
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