Rare Walnut Credenza by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House, NY, 1950 s

If you're a fan of Vladimir Kagan and are looking for a piece with a story, look no farther. This piece resided in the master bedroom of Vladimir Kagan and Erica Wilson's Park Avenue apartment. This is the Kagan Family Custom Dresser and Desk, Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc., USA, circa 1950. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for he and his wife's bedroom-- this set is truly stunning. Modular in nature, there is a dresser unit, that is flanked by a file cabinet, diagonally slatted drawers, and a drafting drawer for Kagan's pens. The unit has an attached drafting table with a drawer that features a multi-level adjusting lever where Vladimir Kagan himself used to sit and prepare his sketches. Below the drafting table, you can see the groove to pullout the drawer was completely hand tooled. This seat is comprised of hardwood, with rosewood veneer, brass legs and drawer pulls which have been polished back to their original glow, and a laminate top on the drafting table. This set can be seen as documented in: Martin Eidelberg, Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was, Abrams, p. 162 New York Social Diary, Vladimir Kagan, April 15, 2016 Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) was a German-born American furniture designer known for his sleek, modernist designs that combined organic shapes with high-tech materials. Kagan began his career in the 1940s, working for his father's furniture business in Germany. He later immigrated to the United States and started his own design studio in New York City in 1949. Over the next several decades, Kagan created hundreds of iconic designs, including his signature "Sculptured Chair" and "Floating Sofa," which became icons of 1950s and 60s modernism. Kagan's designs were celebrated for their sculptural quality and unique use of materials, such as fiberglass, lucite, and stainless steel. He also pioneered the use of ergonomics in furniture design, creating pieces that were not only beautiful but also comfortable to use. Throughout his career, Kagan received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to design, including the American Society of Interior Designers' Designer of Distinction award in 1985 and induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2009. Kagan's impact on the world of furniture design is incredibly significant. His work helped define the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, and his innovative use of materials and focus on ergonomics continue to influence designers today. His designs are highly sought after by collectors and are displayed in museums around the world. This set is currently in our gallery with a set of Vladimir Kagan unicorn...

Ever seen that iconic Slim Aaron's photo? You know, the one Poolside Glamour-- if you look right in the center of the photograph, underneath the yellow umbrella, you'll see this icon...

This is a credenza that exudes power, presence, and a little bit of that old-money mystique. Designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany and walnut masterpiece...

Calling all serious collectors and lovers of glam—this is not just a credenza; it’s a showstopper, a one-of-a-kind, super rare prototype straight from the genius mind of Paul Evans. Let’s get one thing clear: this piece isn’t just furniture; it’s a statement, a mood, a literal golden wave of fabulousness. Originally owned by the legendary Todd Merrill (yes, that Todd Merrill—master of modern design and author of Modern Americana), this baby was snapped up by a private collector before making its way to us. And let me tell you, it’s dripping in glam from top to bottom. This Cylindrical Console (measuring a jaw-dropping 96” long, 32” tall, and 26” deep) was a prototype floor model from Evans' final design studio in NYC—his post-Pennsylvania chapter, when he was at the height of his boundary-pushing creativity. This is 1980s excess at its absolute finest. Picture it: brass-plated steel shimmering like a pool of liquid gold, with a wavy, undulating front—three connected cylinders flowing together in a perfectly elegant squiggle. It’s not just a visual feast; it’s a party for your living room. Each cylinder pulls open (hello, semi-circles!) to reveal luxuriously upholstered tan suede shelves inside. That’s right—three shelves per cylinder, giving you all the storage you could dream of, but with a touch of decadence. Oh, and did we mention the wheels? Yes, each cylinder moves like a dream. There are also 3 laminated, moveable shelves on the inside so you can store as much as you'd like. The top? Clad in crisp white plexiglass for that extra hit of 80s glam. This credenza was the final visual iteration of Evans’ experimental genius. It’s more than a piece of furniture; it’s history, art, and design all rolled into one. And because it’s a prototype, you won’t find another like it anywhere. This is the Paul Evans piece for the collector who already has everything—except this. A little on Evans -- Paul Evans—an iconic American designer who’s often associated with the Studio Craft movement—wasn’t just creating furniture; he was crafting art. Known for his sculptural, metallic designs, Evans blurred the line between function and form with his unique metalworking techniques, often blending bronze, copper, and steel into futuristic, brutalist shapes. He was constantly innovating, and this Cylindrical Console is a perfect example of his creative genius. Evans worked alongside Philip Lloyd Powell and was just down the street from the legendary George Nakashima in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Both Evans and Powell created some of the most groundbreaking and collectible furniture of the 20th century. While Powell leaned into the organic, hand-carved wood aesthetic, Evans went full throttle with high-gloss metals, merging craftsmanship with avant-garde artistry. By the time this prototype was made in the 1980s, Evans had moved to New York City, leaving his Pennsylvania roots behind and embracing a new, highly reflective, glamorous aesthetic. His partnership with Directional Furniture solidified his place as a master of bold, modern design. His pieces, like this one, have become legendary in the world of design collecting—fetching top-tier prices for their rarity and unmistakable style. About Todd Merrill Todd Merrill, a tastemaker in his own right, has spent decades curating some of the finest examples of 20th-century American furniture and Studio Craft. He’s known for representing top-tier designers and artists, both contemporary and classic, in his New York gallery, Todd Merrill Studio. His influence extends into the world of rare and custom furniture, often showcasing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces much like this stunning Paul Evans prototype. Todd Merrill is a legend in our (antique dealers) industry. The man was writing Modern Americana while I was sitting in Comm Theory class in college. With this piece you’re not just buying a credenza—you’re investing in an unforgettable slice of design history. Glam, bold, and just oozing with charisma, this Paul Evans prototype is not just sexy—it’s the conversation piece that will have your guests swooning. This piece is currently in our gallery alongside a Gabriella Crespi coffee table...