• Isokon Penguin Donkey, 1939, Egon riss, Isokon plus
  • Isokon Penguin Donkey, 1939, Egon riss, Isokon plus
  • Isokon Penguin Donkey, 1939, Egon riss, Isokon plus
  • Isokon Penguin Donkey, 1939, Egon riss, Isokon plus
  • Isokon Penguin Donkey, 1939, Egon riss, Isokon plus

Isokon Penguin Donkey, 1939

Penguin Donkey bookcase by Egon Riss for Isokon Plus.

First designed in 1939 to hold penguin books, the Penguin Donkey bookcase has become a classic piece of design. The central section is ideal for storing holding books and magazines and it can accommodate up to 80 paperback books.

The original design was named the Donkey because it had four legs and two compartments resembling the panniers placed on this beast of burden. Publisher Allen Lane was an early fan of the design and since it was apparent that the shelves were perfectly sized to accommodate the newly launched, distinctive orange Penguin paperbacks the Donkey was rechristened the Penguin Donkey.

The Penguin Donkey was launched just as World War Two broke out, with around 100 manufactured and sold before production ceased as a result of the war. Now reissued by Isokon Plus, this characterful design icon enjoys an enduring appeal.

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£900
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Description Dropdown

Penguin Donkey bookcase by Egon Riss for Isokon Plus.

First designed in 1939 to hold penguin books, the Penguin Donkey bookcase has become a classic piece of design. The central section is ideal for storing holding books and magazines and it can accommodate up to 80 paperback books.

The original design was named the Donkey because it had four legs and two compartments resembling the panniers placed on this beast of burden. Publisher Allen Lane was an early fan of the design and since it was apparent that the shelves were perfectly sized to accommodate the newly launched, distinctive orange Penguin paperbacks the Donkey was rechristened the Penguin Donkey.

The Penguin Donkey was launched just as World War Two broke out, with around 100 manufactured and sold before production ceased as a result of the war. Now reissued by Isokon Plus, this characterful design icon enjoys an enduring appeal.

Dimensions Dropdown

59w x 41.5d x 43cmh

Materials Dropdown

Made from natural birch plywood.

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