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The extraordinary Swildens desk recreated

The extraordinary Swildens desk recreated
The Swildens desks will return to their original home at at 75 avenue de la Grande Armee in Paris until January 19, 2012
The Swildens desks will return to their original home at at 75 avenue de la Grande Armee in Paris until January 19, 2012
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The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
One of the original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
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One of the original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
One of the numbered and signed Swildens desk reproductions
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One of the numbered and signed Swildens desk reproductions
The Swildens desk is equally at home as a working desk (it even has a heated seat) as it is in an art gallery
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The Swildens desk is equally at home as a working desk (it even has a heated seat) as it is in an art gallery
The mirror finish of the stainless steel Swildens Desk
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The mirror finish of the stainless steel Swildens Desk
The mirror finish of the stainless steel Swildens Desk
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The mirror finish of the stainless steel Swildens Desk
The original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
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The original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
One of the original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
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One of the original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
One of the original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
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One of the original Swildens desks in situ in the Peugeot head office in Paris
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens desks will return to their original home at at 75 avenue de la Grande Armee in Paris until January 19, 2012
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The Swildens desks will return to their original home at at 75 avenue de la Grande Armee in Paris until January 19, 2012
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk
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The Swildens Desk
View gallery - 21 images

On Monday in Paris, automotive giant Peugeot put one of its most remarkable offspring on show at its head office located at 75 avenue de la Grande Armee. The Swilden desk was originally commissioned in 1966 for the foyer of the then new Peugeot head office in Paris - the same building in which the reproduction is on show.

Three desks were created and three receptionists were each seated at their very own work of art. Since they were decommissioned, the three extraordinary industrial chic desks have been so sought after at auction, and as displays in contemporary art exhibits, that French furniture designer Furdess has negotiated with the original designer, Ben Swildens, to create a limited re-release of eight desks.

The mirror-polished stainless steel desks have no visible welding, and have been sculpted by a precision metal workshop in Lyon. Each is numbered and signed by the designer.

The Swildens Desk
The Swildens Desk

The desk will be on display at the Peugeot Head Office until January 19, when it will be presented at the Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Fair from January 21 by the famous Art Gallery Felix Marcilhac.

Only three are still to be sold, with an asking price of EUR65,000 (approx. US$87K at time of writing) a piece and Felix Marcilhac will sell the remaining pieces.

View gallery - 21 images
5 comments
5 comments
Simon
Even with a heated seat I reakon that stainless steel would be bloody hard and uncomfortable after 30 minutes! I wonder if you could track down some of the original receptionists from Peugeot and hear their honest opinions about them. I\'d also like to bet that after their new publicity that some Chinese factory will be knocking out some PVC lookalikes in 6 months time - if not I will albeit with a couple of cushions!
EinSascha
And lacking the ability to adapt ergonomically, you have to employ receptionists fitting to the furniture. On the other hand, companies willing to spend 65k for one desk+chair do that already.
Gregg Eshelman
But not a one for a southpaw!
Organic Marketing Services
I think we have found our new reception desk.
Carlos Grados
Does this desk rock? My students are always sitting in their seats with only two of the four legs touching the ground. I warn them about spinal cord injuries and that I need them to stop. These desks are amazing!