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‘Old desks for sale’ article May 2003
Extract from article by Alex Wiltshire

‘Architectural salvagers and designers Retrouvius are currently restoring and selling a collection of around 115 items of furniture designed by Basil Spence & Partners for the 1964 Swiss Cottage Library in North London.

‘The library is being refitted and Camden Council reluctantly decided to sell the original, bespoke furnishings since they did not satisfy cable management needs. Retrouvius, a company run by Adam Hills and Maria Speake, bought the entire set and restored them.

‘The 106cm x 53cm desks have brushed stainless steel legs and afrormosia tops with an under-slung shelf and modesty board at the back.

‘Basil Spence, who died in 1975, is best known for designing Coventry Cathedral and the University of Sussex . The Swiss Cottage Library has been praised for its outstanding consistency of forms and materials and careful attention to detail, including the specially designed furniture.’