A beautifully designed Italian magazine rack dating from the 1950s, constructed from a single continuous sheet of bent plywood and a slender brass frame.

The construction is remarkably simple and economical. Rather than using separate panels, the body is formed from a single sheet of plywood, bent continuously beneath the piece to create both sides and the base. The plywood is supported within a minimal brass rod structure which forms the feet, rises diagonally across the sides and continues upwards to create the unusually tall carrying handle.

The contrast between the broad curved surface of the plywood and the fine linear brass frame gives the magazine rack a particularly strong sculptural quality. Viewed from different angles, the relationship between the two elements changes considerably, while the tall handle and curved wooden body give the piece an almost handbag-like silhouette.

When we purchased the magazine rack in Italy, we did not initially notice the small MADE IN ITALY stamp and had actually wondered whether the piece might be Austrian. There was something about the restraint of the design, and particularly the beautifully handled brass frame, that reminded us of the work of Carl Auböck. We cannot recall seeing Auböck use bent plywood in quite this way, however, and there is no suggestion that this piece is by his workshop.

Discovering the MADE IN ITALY stamp therefore came as a pleasant surprise. To our eyes, the piece does not have the immediate character or feel of many of the classic Italian magazine racks of the 1950s, which is perhaps what makes it so intriguing.

The designer and manufacturer remain a mystery, but this does little to diminish the piece for us. It is a fabulous object in its own right, beautifully proportioned and unusual, and one that becomes increasingly interesting when viewed from different angles.

The magazine rack retains the MADE IN ITALY stamp impressed into the brass frame. The surfaces have developed naturally with age, with minor marks and signs of use consistent with a functional object dating from the 1950s. The brass has mellowed to a warm, aged surface which sits particularly well alongside the darker tone of the plywood.

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.