A particularly handsome and generously proportioned Florence Knoll circular Table Desk, designed in 1961 for Knoll International.

The table combines a large circular top, veneered in richly figured rosewood, with Florence Knoll's distinctive four-star pedestal base in satin chrome-plated steel. The simplicity of the construction allows the materials and proportions to do much of the work: the warmth and movement of the rosewood providing a beautiful contrast to the restrained architectural quality of the metal base.

Florence Knoll designed the 2480 Pedestal Table Desk in 1961 as part of her rethinking of the conventional executive office. Rather than separating the desk from the meeting table, Knoll developed a large open table around which people could work and communicate more naturally. Although conceived primarily for the office, the design works equally well as a dining or conference table and has subsequently been used extensively in domestic interiors.

This is a particularly generous circular example, measuring 152 cm in diameter. The scale gives the table considerable presence while the central pedestal leaves the perimeter completely unobstructed, making it practical for seating and allowing the rosewood top to be appreciated as a single uninterrupted surface.

We originally acquired several examples of these tables around 2010 and were told that they had come from the Rothschild offices at New Court in the City of London when the building was being refurbished and redeveloped. We do not have documentation confirming this provenance and therefore prefer to present it as the history given to us when the tables were acquired.

This particular table remained with us unrestored for approximately fifteen years. We recently decided to have the original rosewood top professionally repolished, bringing back the depth, colour and figuring of the timber while retaining the original top and construction. It is now presented in excellent condition and ready for regular use.

The satin chrome-plated base retains its original finish and has simply been cleaned. It shows numerous scratches, small dents, dings and other signs of age and use, which we have deliberately left untouched. The contrast between the freshly repolished rosewood and the naturally aged metal works particularly well and allows the history of the piece to remain visible.

There are no surviving Knoll labels or markings on this example. However, the table retains its original rosewood top and base and corresponds closely in construction, proportions and detailing to Florence Knoll's 2480 Table Desk.

A beautifully restrained design and an extremely practical table, equally suited to use as a dining table, meeting table or executive desk.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.