Skønvirke Bookcases
Martin Nyrop
Denmark, 1905

Description:

Pine bookcases designed by architect Martin Nyrop and made by cabinetmaker Rudolph Rasmussen during the early 20th century.

These bookcases, until recently, were 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 these bookcases were designed, built and installed before 1905. This makes the design 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 bookcases are simple, yet exceptionally executed, and exposes the construction of the design 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 bookcases are in excellent vintage condition. All wear is commensurate with age and use. 

The listed price is for one bookcase. 

There are currently two bookcases from the Town Hall project available. If you would like to purchase the pair, please add "2" to your cart. The second bookcase is stamped "20193" and can be seen in the final 6 images. 

Specifications: 

Bookcase #1 stamped "18159"

Bookcase #2 stamped "20193"

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