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Ernest H. Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Cabinet in White Polyurethane

Sale price$5,850.00

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, shelving sideboard, polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71

Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an international audience for his design work. An orange-colored version of a desk furnished the MIB headquarters in the movie Men in Black 3 (2012). In 2009, the US company Steelcase re-edited Hofmann's desk, the 'Igl-Jet', producing a limited edition of 1,970 pieces. When the desk was first made in 1970-71, Hofmann employed groundbreaking technology for his designs. His initial desk was one of the first to be made entirely out of plastic. The revolutionary concept and grand vision behind this desk are evident in its rounded corners, soft edges, and stunning shapes. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a cabinet that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of sturdy lines and round corners implemented in the whole construction. For this outspoken layout, the designer used a pure off-white color. The recessed round contoured handles add a quirky element to the piece. The sophisticated storage facility, along with details such as geometrically shaped drawers and round ornaments on the sides, truly contribute to the unique design idea.

In 1969, a successful collaboration between German office furniture maker Werndl and Ernest Hofmann began. With the desks 'Igl-Top' and 'Igl-Jet', as well as a shelf, Hofmann secured an important role in office furniture design during 1970-1971. His designs were groundbreaking and only possible due to the use of a new material. Hofmann designed the first one-piece desk made entirely out of polyurethane. The material was liquid and poured into a mold, where two components reacted together to form a flat, hard surface. By using plastic, Hofmann was able to create a desk with unusual organic shapes and rounded corners.

Ernest Hofmann (1920-2001) – in 1954, he gave himself the artist name ‘Igl’ – was a multi talent. He, a designer, sculptor, illustrator, and inventor, designed everything from a harvester machine to office appliances, a microscope, and rubber boots. His oeuvre includes an impressive number of products used for all kinds of situations in life. Hofmann, born in Prague in 1920, studied graphic arts in his hometown, in Karlsbad and in Munich, where he and his wife settled. Hofmann firstly worked as an illustrator, graphic artist, and cartoonist for well-known schoolbook publishers. In 1962, they moved to Rosenheim, which marked the beginning of Hofmann’s more design orientated career.

Kindly note that this item is in good, used condition. The lacquer shows signs of wear and use and irregularities. Restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece contains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized restoration is possible as well.

VAT within the EU: When buying or delivering an item within the EU, VAT usually applies and will be added.

Product Details

  • condition Good
  • creator Ernest Igl (Designer) Wilhelm Werndl (Manufacturer)
  • date of manufacture 1970s
  • dimensions Height 185 cm Width 115.5 cm Depth 42.5 cm
  • dimensions Height 72.84 in. Width 45.48 in. Depth 16.74 in.
  • material Plastic
  • origin Germany
  • period 1970-1979
  • style Post-Modern (Of the Period)
  • barcode 50113168