Modernist Maple Desk After Design Dick Russell 1980S Commissioned For Ray Leigh

Modernist maple desk, after a design by Dick Russell. Personally commissioned for Ray Leigh - British architect and designer and chairman of the Gordon Russell Trust. Circa 1980s.

The desk has an open geometric support to one side with a bank of four drawer to the other. It is of excellent quality. The drawer interiors sides and backs are made in solid maple, with dovetail construction to the fronts. Note the dowel design to the back of the drawers - a nice touch. The desk remains in very good condition, showing some light signs of use as expected. There is a small mark to the left hand side to note and some slight differences in lacquer to the top with use. The drawers all work very well and are clean on the insides.

Veneered in figured maple, with solid edgings and contrasting ebonised handles and top drawer face. The back is also finished so the desk does not have to sit against a wall.

Provenance: From the estate of Ray Leigh. This desk was made for Leigh around the late 1980s.

Ray Leigh (1928 – 2025) was a British architect and designer and chairman of the Gordon Russell Trust - formed to protect the company’s unique collection of furniture and archival material - and under his leadership the Gordon Russell Design Museum, which opened in Broadway in 2008.

In his earlier years Leigh graduated from the Architectural Association and, as a young architect, joined the practice of Professor Richard (Dick) Russell and Robert Goodden.

Ray Leigh was one of the group of designers involved with the 1951 Festival of Britain, collaborating with luminaries such as John Piper, James Stirling and Terence Conran. He joined Gordon Russell later that year as senior designer, ultimately becoming managing director and chairman.

A key figure linking the British Arts and Crafts Movement to Post-war modernist design.

He continued his partnership with Dick Russell on significant projects such as the interior design of the SS Oriana and the Greek Galleries at the British Museum.

The desk is very heavy, and delivery will be included to ground floor with good access only. We may be able to deliver to further floors if there is a suitable lift. Please contact us to discuss if needed.