Anyone reading this of a certain age will instantly recognise this design as a standard school desk used for many years throughout the UK. In some ways it shouldn’t qualify as a classic design, if function is more important than form in your own interpretation of good design – for in practice it was an awkward piece of furniture to use. That being said, this desk made the most of its available footprint a long time before Ikea introduced the world to compact living.
The desk’s measurements were very modest, allowing just enough working surface for a small writing book and text book on the top – along with a pen or pencil (Remember – this was pre-iPad).
An integrated inkwell was rendered useless by the introduction of the refillable fountain pen, but quickly found new uses – such as storing pencil shavings, rubbers and other essential school items.
A recessed front section stopped pens from rolling off the desk.
Heavy duty ironmongery bypassed finesse and concentrated on sturdiness and longevity.
The desks lid opened upwards to reveal a storage area for books, pens, lunch and anything a pupil didn’t want their teacher to see. The downside being the pupil either had to lift everything off the desk and place it on their lap or floor before opening, or risk it all sliding off the front of the desk if they opened it too high.
Top heavy to begin with, once the lid was opened upwards it became completely unstable and likely to fall over given the slightest nudge.
Despite teachers best attempts, desks slowly became decorated in graffiti and doddle over the years.
These desks may have long been withdrawn from school use, but they can still be found in homes across the country – this example now serves as a handsome bookstand in a kitchen.
