A Skønvirke Bookcase
Martin Nyrop
Denmark, 1905

Description:

A pine bookcase designed by architect Martin Nyrop and made by cabinetmaker Rudolph Rasmussen during the early 20th century.

The bookcase, until recently, was part of the interior of the Copenhagen Town Hall. A building designed by architect Martin Nyrop in the Danish Art Nouveau style ("Skønvirke"), also referred to as the National Romantic style. 

Nyrop designed the totality of the Town Hall: exterior, accessories, & furnishings. Construction on the building began in 1892 and concluded in 1905, therefore the bookcase was designed, built and installed before 1905. This makes the piece one of the first major collaborations for cabinetmaker Rudolph Rasmussen.

In keeping with the salient aesthetics of the Arts and Craft movement, the construction of the bookcase is simple, yet exceptionally executed, and exposes the construction of the piece throughout. The shelves are deep and narrow, ideal for storing slim boxes of papers. The joints connecting the shelves to the frame are visible on the sides. These visible joints accompany the simple decoration of a crenallated border, limited to the top and bottom shelves. 

The bookcase is in excellent vintage condition. All wear is commensurate with age and use. 

This is one of three bookcase currently available from the Town Hall project. They are available to be purchased as a pair, or trio. 

Specifications: 

Stamps: Metal stamped label, "18159"

Width: 75cm 
Height: 146cm
Depth: 37cm