MCM Herman Miller Action Office l Roll Top Desk by George Nelson and Robert Propst

When we saw this desk setting in the office of the home where we obtained it, I think I may have gasp! It is so beautiful. This is the Action Office I roll top desk or A01. The first generation of the Herman Miller Action Office group. It was the brain child of Herman Miller Research Corporation under the direction of Robert Propst with George Nelson as Design Director. It was first produced in 1964 and ended its production in 1968 with the introduction of Action Office II. This magnificent example of mid-century modern design was the forerunner to the office cubical. There were two models made. One for standing to work and this one for being seated. The thought was to promote concentration by providing change. Its tambour door was meant to increase work production by allowing you to close the roll top on your uncompleted work at night and open it right up to start in again in the morning, as well as providing privacy. Action Office was awarded the Alcoa Industrial Design Award in 1965. The combination of materials is true George Nelson and make this piece shine. This example has an unusual blue color to its end panels. Not quite turquoise. Not quite steel blue. Not quite robin’s egg blue. Combine that with gorgeous walnut of the roll top, the aluminum legs, white plastic laminate desktop, and you have something beyond incredible. Plus, the roll top conceals a compartment in the back for hanging file folders and there are four individual pencil drawers across the front. Do not let this icon of mid-century design get away. Make it yours!