So-called Gerard Philipe Desk by Jules Wabbes

Padauk and gunmetal-finished steel desk, model designed in 1955.
This iconic desk by Jules Wabbes, designed in 1955 and commonly known as the Gérard Philipe model, perfectly embodies the Belgian post-war modernist aesthetic, defined by constructive rigor, the nobility of materials, and an understated elegance.
The rectangular top, crafted from solid padauk, is distinguished by the depth of its reddish-brown tone and by a subtle surface treatment articulated with discreet linear rhythms, revealing Wabbes’s mastery of architectonic joinery. Beneath the top, an apron incorporating open storage compartments provides discreet functionality, conceived for everyday use without ever compromising the formal purity of the piece.
The structure rests on slender, strictly orthogonal steel legs with a gunmetal patina, creating a controlled contrast between the warmth of the wood and the industrial sobriety of the metal. This tension between organic material and mechanical precision lies at the heart of Jules Wabbes’s design language and constitutes one of the defining signatures of his most accomplished works.
Both a working desk and an element of interior architecture, this model perfectly illustrates Wabbes’s vision: functional, durable furniture conceived as a structuring component of space. The Gérard Philipe desk remains today one of the designer’s most sought-after models, admired for its formal balance and exceptional quality of execution.
Jules Wabbes (1919–1974) was a leading figure of Belgian post-war modernist design. His work is characterized by architectural rigor, the use of noble materials, and an exceptional standard of craftsmanship.