Oak retractable desk – Raclem

• Fold-away oak desk by Raclem, featuring a central storage compartment and two removable filing cabinets in the lower section. France, early 1950s.
• Very good condition, completely renovated by our restorer.
• W max (2 shelves deployed) 121 CM X D 88 CM X H 77 CM
• L (folded shelves) 30 CM.
• P useful 22 CM.
• H adjustable from 73 to 77 CM.
• Some normal wear and tear (on the shelves and on one of the blackboard parts) (see photos).

In France, after World War II and until the early 1960s, significant mobilization was required to rebuild infrastructure and housing. This period, known as Reconstruction, enabled the emergence of a new generation of architects and designers. Among the innovations of this era, the Raclem oak folding desk also stands out for its functional and refined design. Initially for disaster victims (8×8 Demountable House by Jean Prouvé for disaster victims, etc.) with the advent of emergency furniture (René Gabriel, etc.), marking a return to simplicity and functionality.

This piece of furniture from the Reconstruction period is one of the ambassadors of a key moment: L’Utopie Domestique, whose guiding principle was to rebuild an ideal, functional and accessible living environment. This translated into more practical interiors and, as seen in this Raclem desk, modular furniture and optimized spaces, reflecting a desire for modernity and renewal.