Brazilian Modern Desk in Cerejera Hardwood, Geraldo de Barros, 1970s Brazil

The desk is entirely made in Cerejera wood and features two floating drawers and white Formica top. The wood has been refinished and besides the marks of age the piece is in excellent condition. This desk belonged to Banco do Brasil and has its heritage plaque on one side.

This mid-century gem would look great in any mid century modern, or postmodern type environment and Hobjeto’s iconic design and size will make this desk a must in everyone’s mid modern century collection.

About the author: Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) was one of the key players of the Modernist movement in Brazil in the 1950’s. Originally a painter close to the European avant-garde and the pioneer of abstract photography in Brazil in the 1940’s (his works are part of the MoMa collection), Geraldo de Barros went to furniture-making in the 1950’s, seeking a more popular art form that would make his work available to a larger audience.

In 1954, he founded the company Unilabor with a Dominican priest and skilled tradesmen. Unilabor was run by its employees and all benefits shared between them, thus becoming the first communitarian business in Modern Brazil history. Unilabor grew quickly to become one of the most important furniture companies in the country, but internal disputes led to the end of the company in 1967.

In 1964, De Barros founded another furniture design company called Hobjeto which had a more capitalistic approach but without losing his constructive characteristics. Until his retirement in 1989, de Barros designed in-numerous furniture lines in this industrial manner. Nowadays, De Barros’ pieces are rare, and few have been preserved.

Size: H28.7, W47.2, D28 (in) H73, W120, D71 (cm).