BODIL KJÆR (DANISH 1932-) FOR E. PEDERSEN & SONS A/S
DESK AND DRAWERS, DESIGNED 1959
Estimate: £10,000 - £15,000
Auction: Modern Made Day 2 - Lots 124 to 456 - Friday 02 May at 10:30
Description
wenge and chrome plated steel
Dimensions
Desk: 72.7cm high, 184cm wide, 92cm deep (28 5/8in high, 72 ½in wide, 36 ¼in deep); Drawers: 50cm high, 44cm wide, 61cm deep (19 5/8in high, 17 ¼in wide, 24in deep)
Provenance
John Schlesinger (1926-2003), British actor and director, and by descent.
Footnote
John Schlesinger (1926–2003) was a British film and theatre director known for his ground-breaking work in cinema. He gained international acclaim with Midnight Cowboy (1969), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. His diverse filmography includes Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971), Marathon Man (1976), and The Falcon and The Snowman (1985), showcasing his talent for exploring complex characters and social themes. Schlesinger’s bold storytelling and keen eye for detail cemented his legacy as one of the most influential directors of his era.
In the black and white photograph, Schlesinger can be seen seated at the current desk in his office. This piece is crafted from the less common wenge wood instead of the usual walnut or rosewood.
This iconic desk model has earned its status as a design classic, famously appearing in four James Bond films: From Russia with Love, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and Live and Let Die—hence its nickname, The James Bond Desk. Notable figures such as Prince Philip and Michael Caine also chose this model for their personal collections.