Donald Deskey

Mark McDonald, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1985

Overall in good condition. The top presents with wear to the Bakelite surfaces, some light surface scratches and minor edge abrasions consistent with age and use. The base with some surface scratches, minor abrasions and areas of rubbing consistent with age and use. The top of two legs with possible areas of restoration, stable. Two of the screws are replaced. A great table by Deskey, combining a highly dynamic design with a functional form.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Donald Deskey's engagement with American Modern design is famously associated with his interior designs for Radio City Music Hall, the design competition in the 1930s for which he won the opportunity to collaborate with the commission's architect, Edward Durell Stone. Deskey's initial training as an architect at the University of California paved the way for his modern approach to interior design and industrial design in domestic and commercial spaces.  Early designs by Deskey were often not in production, but made to order, with a few variations in size and materials, depending on the project and producer of the table.  A closely related variant of the present lot, with a glass top and slightly different measurements, is illustrated in the Donald Deskey Archives, Cooper Hewitt Museum, photo 5089.  The present table epitomizes Deskey's visual vocabulary in the late 1920s, combining Bakelite and chromium in a highly dynamic and modern shape. 

Sotheby's would like to thank David Hanks for his assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.