Rare Petite Mid-Century Modern Flip Top Vanity / Writing Desk by EE Meyer

A petite and considered Vanity / Writing Desk designed and made by EE Meyer for Binnehuis — one of the most collectible names in South African mid-century furniture. The piece works two ways: closed, it reads as a clean-lined writing desk; open, the left section lifts to reveal a fitted mirror above a generous storage compartment. Two drawers sit to the right, each constructed with hand-cut dovetail joinery — the kind of detail that confirms this was built to last rather than to a budget.

The imbuia is particularly fine on this example: warm, lively and deeply figured, with the colour shifts in raking light that this timber is known for. Slender tapered solid imbuia legs complete the silhouette — light, precise, and in keeping with Meyer's characteristic restraint.

 

Dimensions: Width 99.5cm x Width 45.7cm x Height 74cm

Condition: In very good vintage condition. Discreet traces of time. We have carefully restored and refinished the wood.

 

A true treasure that encapsulates the essence of South Africa's most sought-after mid-century furniture manufacturer. With a legacy rooted in timeless craftsmanship and iconic design, EE Meyer creations have become highly sought after. Owning an EE Meyer piece means not only acquiring a beautiful work of art but also preserving a valuable piece of South African design history. Meyer was the South African master of understated midcentury elegance, defined by sober and clean designs. The majority of Meyer's furniture was made in beautiful hardwood imbuia.

 

The Binnehuis furniture stores were located in Cape Town, Stellenbosch Somerset-West, Newlands, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg and were owned by a Dutch businessman and his wife, Mr and Mrs van Ewijck, who moved between South Africa and the Netherlands.. It seems they were most prolific during the 1960s.

 

Imbuia is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

 

Photographed in natural light in our studio.

 

We photograph every piece honestly — what you see is what you'll receive. Before dispatch, each item is cleaned and finished with Osmo Polyx®-Oil so it arrives looking its best.

Prices do not include delivery.

Cape Town delivery is calculated at check-out.

For delivery outside Cape Town please contact us. Delivery to these areas is quoted based on the item's dimensions. We can unfortunately not reserve any items until transport has been finalized.

We can arrange shipping in Cape Town and arrange or recommend courier for the rest of the country. 

Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.

We deliver locally within Cape Town for a fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person.  Collections must be made within 7 days of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods. 

For Cape Town deliveries, we include a single layer of bubble wrap if needed, but for fragile items or if additional intensive wrapping, which includes cardboard and many layers of bubble wrap and foam is required/preferred, an extra cost will be charged, please email vintageclubhq@gmail.com for more information.

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

 

As to be expected with vintage items, this item may have minor amounts of wear. All of our items are available to view prior to purchase.

Although all effort is made to lightly refurbish and clean our furniture to best represent their original state, it must be noted that the majority of the items we source date from before 1980’s. For this reason signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We try to point out any visible concerns. 

Please note that all items are described to the best of our ability, we strongly encourage our clients to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything. Please review all images as they are considered part of the item description. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Unfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf. 

Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.

Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).

After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier. 

Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R150 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.

 

For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town. 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

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