Steven Thomas (British b.1944) of Whitmore-Thomas Associates, for Biba, London
Preview: Barley Mow Centre

Steven Thomas (British b.1944) of Whitmore-Thomas Associates, for Biba, London
Prototype desk for Biba offices, circa 1974
Black lacquer, steel, vellum, mirrored plate
Unmarked
86cm high x 122cm wide x 60cm deep

Provenance
Originally commissioned by Barbara Hulanicki, this desk was designed to be used in the Biba offices. The prototype was intentionally compact to encourage staff to keep a tidy workspace and was used on a trial run. However, Hulanicki finally decided it would be put into production as a dressing table or desk for home use and would be sold on the household floor of Big Biba. The design was eventually discontinued as it was deemed too expensive for retail.

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