$22,000

United States
circa 1954

Modular cabinet of walnut with a white micarta top, lacquered masonite doors and panels, and angle-steel pulls and frame. The “Curtainwall” principle applied to furniture, allowing easy extension in either a vertical or horizontal direction. An elegant riff on the Eames ESU, designed by Norman Cherner (along with Matthew Cooper) and manufactured by the Multiflex Corp circa 1954. The Studio Group was featured in George Nelson’s Storage book and was a MoMA Good Design selection in 1954. The present unit has two sliding door cabinets flanking a bank of three drawers. Behind each pair of sliding doors is a black masonite bottom and white masonite back. The frame, which disassembles to a large degree, is held together with brass buttons that are optionally visible on the outside (MoMA preferred visibility as expressive and suitable to the piece). Cherner famously designed the narrow-waisted Plycraft armchair along with an award-winning furniture line for Konwiser and was the author of the 1953 book Make Your Own Modern Furniture. Along with a nine drawer chest of drawers and a double-tall unit from the same source, available (and priced) separately, the only examples of these configurations I have seen.

Condition
The wood has been refinished. Steel frames and pulls have been repainted, along with the sliding masonite doors. Interior masonite and micarta top in original condition. Scratches and some discoloration to the top and the interior panels.

Measurements
Height: 29 in.
Width/length: 90 in.
Depth: 18 in.

Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/techniques: Walnut, plastic laminate, lacquered masonite, angle steel