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Donald Deskey

American  [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first luxury commission. In 1927 he formed a partnership with Philip Vollmer to be called Deskey – Vollmer. They produced a variety of lamps and tables using metal, lacquer, and Bakelite. The partnership lasted until 1931. In 1928 he enhanced his reputation as an important modernist designer with a men’s smoking room he fashioned for The American Designer’s Gallery in New York. He was a cofounder of The American Union of Decorative Artists and Craftsmen (AUDAC) and exhibited in their New York and Brooklyn shows in 1930 and 1931. Starting in 1929 Deskey designed the first of three interiors for Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. In 1930 he designed the interior for critic and writer Gilbert Seides apartment and also the interior of Helena Rubinstein’s Park Avenue apartment. His work for the Rockefellers led to his most important commission, the interiors of Radio City Music Hall. Completed in one year with a very low budget, Deskey convinced twenty one of his AUDAC artisans and craftsmen that having their work shown in such a magnificent setting would further their career and reputation. With only a $1,500 fee limit imposed on him, Deskey managed to convince many famous artists to decorate the theatre such as Stuart Davis, Ezra Winter, Henry Varnum Poor, Louis Bouache, Edward Ulrich, Henry Billings, and Witold Gordon. Three statues cast in aluminum were sculpted by William Zorach, Gwen Lux, and Robert Laurent. The mural for the second mezzanine was offered to Georgia o’Keeffe, she refused the commission as $1,500 was an unacceptable fee. An apocryphal story said that her husband, the famous photographer Alfred Stieglitz, was quoted as saying, “Georgia o’Keeffe does not do bathrooms”. Yasuo Kuniyoshi did the mural. While the majority of Deskey’s furniture had been hand made by local craftsmen or commissioned to firms like Schmieg & Kotzian: his acclaim from Radio City Music Hall, the Mandez House, and exhibits at the 1933 World’s Fair brought him to the attention of furniture manufacturers. He had designed modern furniture for Ypsilanti Reed Furniture in the late 1920’s and in 1930 he produced lines for W&J; Sloan Company of Master Craftsmen, Kroehler Manufacturing, Valentine Seaver, and Estey Manufacturing. In 1930 began designing furniture for the Widdicomb Furniture Company, a relationship that would last until 1935. In 1931 Deskey created AMODEC (American Modern Decoration Company).

***We are actively buying Donald Deskey furniture as well as other top designers and art deco furniture from the period. Please contact us if you are wishing to sell.***

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DONALD DESKEY American Art Deco Occasional Table for HASTINGS

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) designed this multi-use wonderful occasional table for the Hastings Table Company in the 1930’s. The table stands on four legs of dark green stained wood. Two of the legs are connected by a quarter circle and radius of similar wood. The top is of figured walnut. The table is 26” in diameter and 28” high and is stenciled “8147” and has the Hastings Table Company metal tag. It is in excellent original condition.

Rare Donald Deskey Copper Table

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894-1989) designed this rare and important American art deco table ca. 1930. The copper and glass table is stamped “Treitel-Gratz Co. Inc, New York”, they were located at 142 east 32nd street in Manhattan and produced metal furniture for his Radio City Music Hall commission in 1932. The well-made piece has a 2 inch band attached to three 2 by 1 inch legs. A round sheet of glass sits on the top while a bottom glass shelf rests on three stretchers. A table of similar construction was used in Deskey’s commission for the apartment of Mr. John D Rockefeller done in 1929-1931. The table measures 24 ¼” in diameter and 18 ¼” high.

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Bedroom Set

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894-1989) designed this bedroom set for the Widdicomb Furniture Company of Grand Rapids in 1935. The tall and low chests have a right angle on three sides and a bull nose on the fourth side. On the night stand, the bullnose only extends the length of the drawer. The drawer fronts and bullnose are in Carpathian elm veneer, the remainder of each piece is finished in black lacquer. The tall chest is 31 ½” wide x 17 ½” deep and 49 ½” tall. The low chest is 31 ½” wide, 17 ½” deep and 36” tall. The night stand is 13” wide, 12 ½” deep and 28 ¾” high.

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Bedroom Set for Kroehler

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) designed this striking asymmetrical bedroom set for the Kroehler Manufacturing Company, Naperville, IL, in the 1930’s. The six piece bedroom set is constructed of avoidire veneer and black lacquered wood. The pulls are black lacquered wood with inlaid brass stringing. All pieces have an indented kickboard (including the bed). Two pieces have the blue metal Kroehler tag in the drawers. The vanity is 68” tall, 45 ½” wide and 18” deep. The chest is 44” tall, 34” wide and 20” deep. The nightstand is 27 1/2” tall, 16” wide and 14” deep. The full size bed is 36” tall (at the headboard), 56” wide and 80” long. The vanity bench is 25” wide by 15” deep and 20” high and the chair is 17” deep, 18 wide and 33 ½” high.

Donald Deskey AMODEC American Art Deco Bedside Table for Abraham & Straus

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) designed this American art deco bedside table for his own company AMODEC (American Modern Decoration Company) in 1931. The stand, in figured walnut veneers, has been refinished and the metal pulls on the drawer and door are replated in bright nickel. The table has the metal retailer’s tag inside the drawer reading “Abraham & Straus, Brooklyn, NY”. It is 17” wide x 13 ½” deep and 28” high.

Donald Deskey for AMODEC American Art Deco Vanity Mirror and Bench

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1884 – 1989) designed this three piece vanity for his own company, AMODEC (American Modern Decoration Company) in 1935. Made of Australian Laurel (Oriental Walnut) with burl drawer fronts, mirror trim and feet on the bench, the vanity sports bright nickel pulls on the drawer handles. The three pieces are in excellent condition and restored to their original state of 75 years ago. The vanity retains the distinctive blue and silver AMODEC label and the bench is covered in faux chamois leather. The vanity measures 25 ½” high, 54” wide and 18” deep, the bench 16 ½” high, 21” wide and 15” deep and the mirror is 33 ¼” x 24”.

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Coffee or Occasional Table

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894-1989) designed this handsome table in the late 1920's. The table, with chrome plated tubular steel supports and black lacquered wood top, measures 24" in diameter and is 20" high. Deskey licensed the design to Ypsilanti Reed Furniture Company in 1928 and 1929. It was also made for his firm, Deskey-Voller, Inc., at a later date. It is shown in a stock photograph for Ypsilanti Reed (page 48 in David Hanks' book, Donald Deskey Decorative Designs and Interiors) and also in a photograph of his 1931 commission for Frederic Patterson (page 88 in Hanks' book). It is also shown in a period advertisment featuring Deskey for Armstrong cork.

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Nine Piece Bedroom Set

This very complete and important nine piece bedroom suite is Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More’s (1894 – 1989) first design for the Widdicomb Furniture Company and Widdicomb’s introduction into modern furniture in 1933. An example of this set was exhibited at the 1934 groundbreaking Contemporary Industrial Art Exhibit at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1934. Finished in straight grain and highly figured satinwood veneers and lacquer with aluminum and lacquered wood pulls, the suite has been lovingly restored to its original splendor. The set was featured in House Beautiful 1933, The London Studio 1933, Arts and Decoration 1934 and in House and Garden 1934 and 1935. It is also shown in David Hank’s book Donald Deskey. The set consists of a tall chest, a low chest, a desk and chair, a vanity and stool, a double bed and two night stands.

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Speakeasy Card or Game Table

This American art deco card table was manufactured in 1930 by Schmieg, Hungate & Kotzian; the design is by Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989). It and five other examples were made for a high class speakeasy in the Gramercy Park area of New York City…or so the story goes. The top is of black cork with Bakelite trim and sides. At each corner a nickel extension contains a copper ashtray beneath which a nickel trimmed Bakelite tray slides out, a convenient place for a drink or sandwich. The top sits on a nickel base. The table measures 30” x 30” and is 30” high. The table is marked “SH&K” and numbered “4688” and “6071”. Another table from this commission was dated “April 26, 1930”.

Donald Deskey Vanity, Mirror & Stool

This American art deco three piece vanity set was designed ca. 1935 by Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) for the Widdicomb Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The vanity which is finished in black lacquer and Avoidire veneer is matched by the original stool and mirror. From the suite featured in Home Furnishing Arts Volume III, Fall/Winter 1935. The vanity measures 50” wide x 18” deep and 24 ½” high; the mirror is 27” wide and 44” high and the stool is 20” in diameter and 18 ½” high.

Donald Deskey Bed & Two Nightstands

In 1935 the Widdicomb Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, produced this bed and nightstands designed by Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989). The set, in black lacquer and Avoidire veneer has been refinished and is ready for your bedroom. It is from the suite featured in Home Furnishing Arts, Volume III, Fall/Winter 1935. The bed measures 57” wide x 79” deep with the headboard 34” high. The night stands each measure 17 ½” wide, 12 ¾” deep and 28 ¼” high.

A Rare Donald Deskey American Art Deco Bookcase / Desk

This very rare bookcase was designed ca. 1935 by Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) for the Widdicomb Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The case, which features three open shelves above a rectangular base with four drawers on the right hand side and a door on the left hand side which opens to reveal three shelves. The front of the base has a matching handle which pulls out a writing surface. The bookcase is in Avoidire wood veneers with black lacquer trim. The case measures 58 ½” high, 29” wide and 21” deep. A great addition to any collection!

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Desk & Chair

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) created this desk and chair which was manufactured by the Widdicomb Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan ca. 1935. The desk and chair are of black lacquer and highly figured Avoidire wood with brushed chrome plated steel back plates on the handles. The desk is 42” wide, 24” deep and 30” high. It was featured in Home Furnishing Arts Volume III, Fall/Winter 1935. Both desk & chair have been refinished and are ready for your home or office.

Donald Deskey Dining Room Set

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894-1989) designed this blond mahogany and maple dining room for the Hasting Table Company in 1930. The table, which has two curved stretchers on each end, measures 40” wide x 29” high and 64” long (100” long when the three 22” leaves are inserted). The sideboard, with three long drawers, has shelves which are revealed when the curved doors on each end are open. The sideboard measures 65-1/2" wide and 18-1/2" deep and is 36" high. The six chairs have curved rear legs and tapering front legs. The seats and backs have just been upholstered in black mohair. The chairs measure 19" x 19" and are 31" high.

Donald Deskey Bedroom Suite

Famous for Radio City Music Hall, Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) designed interiors for the Widdicomb Furniture Company as well as for the homes and offices of 1930’s millionaires such as the Rockefellers, Gimbels and Pattersons. This complete eight piece suite consists of a tall chest, low chest, vanity, vanity bench, vanity mirror, king size bed and two night stands. In bird’s eye maple and black lacquer, the suite is one of the most beautiful and complete Deskey bedrooms to come to the market.

Pair Deskey Side Tables

This pair of American art deco side tables were designed by Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More (1894 – 1989) and made by the Company of Master Craftsmen (1926 – 1939), a subsidiary of W & J Sloan of New York. The tables are of red mahogany with chrome backed black finger pull handles. They could function as bedside tables or on either side of a sofa. Marked “Company of Master Craftsmen, Permo-Weld” and stamped “S 55021” and “D26772”, the side tables measure 15” wide x 14” deep and 22 ½” high.

1930 Schmieg, Hungate & Kotzian Card Table

This American art deco card table was deskigned by Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More and manufactured by Schmieg, Hungate & Kotzian in 1930 and was used in a New York City speakeasy. The top is of black cork with Bakelite trim and sides. At each corner a chrome extension contains a copper ashtray. A chrome trimmed bakelite tray slides out, a convenient place for a drink or sandwich. The top sits on a chrome base. The table measures 30” x 30” and is 30” high. The table is marked “SH&K;” and numbered “46882” and “6071”. There is also a hand written date “April 26, 1930”.

Donald Deskey American Art Deco Radio City Music Hall Sofa

Donald DeskeyDonald Deskey
American [1894 - 1989] 

Donald Deskey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1894. In 1912 he left for California with a high school diploma. After a series of jobs, a stint in the army, and attendance at The University of California at Berkeley to study architecture and painting he began in 1920 working in advertising, first Chicago then New York. In 1925 he visited the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderns and the Bauhaus in Germany. He came back to New York in 1926 committed to the modern movement. He created store window displays for Saks- Fifth Avenue and made folding screens for Paul Frankl. Frankl paid Deskey $35 per screen and sold them for $400… a tidy profit. Through his work at Saks, Deskey met the company president, Adam Gimbel and showed him some furniture drawings he had made in Paris. Gimbel was impressed enough that he commissioned Deskey to furnish the interior of his Park Avenue apartment, Deskey’s first...
Click to Read More designed this three seat sofa in 1932 for his most important commission, Radio City Music Hall. There were several of these sofas in the Grand Lounge of the theatre. In 1972 management decided that the Grand Lounge was too crowded and disposed of much of the original furniture. This sofa is from that dispensement. The feet and base are of ebonized wood. The sides and upper arms are in soft black vinyl and the back and cushions are covered in a luxurious gray wool fabric. These sofas were only made for Radio City Music Hall and were never a production item for Deskey. This is a chance to own a rare and very important piece of American Design history…it's also very comfortable. The sofa measures 72" wide x 32" deep and is 32" high

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