H.G. Bradley Teak Modular Wall System Harare, Zimbabwe, 1970s — four cabinets, twelve shelves, eight wall rails, brass fittings
A rare complete modular wall system made by H.G. Bradley of Harare in the 1970s to Danish designs, offered as a single set with all original components.
The system follows the language of the great Danish wall systems of the period: solid teak wall rails carrying suspended cabinets and shelves on slender angled brass brackets, so that each element appears to float. Its character lies in the detail: carved teak pulls set into every front, in sculpted double-bar, round and oval forms; a drop-front desk that opens on brass stays to four open compartments; a three-drawer chest; and two sliding-door cabinets, each with its own distinct pull.
Fully modular, the system adapts to the wall and the way a room is lived in, rather than dictating it, so the whole composition can be set to whatever height and rhythm a room asks for. Every cabinet and shelf hangs from the rails at whatever height suits, so the arrangement is entirely the owner’s own: one long composition, a storage wall with a separate run of open shelving for a second room, a compact study wall built around the desk, or a library of open shelves. It can be rearranged as books, records and objects change over the years. Our photographs show just a few of the possibilities.
Wall-mounted storage of this kind was the great Danish contribution to small-space living, and it still does the job better than anything since — nothing touches the floor, so the room reads larger than it is.
Restored in-house, with the teak refinished and the brass fittings checked, retaining their patina.
Provenance:
Acquired directly from the original owners, Clive and Barbara King, who purchased these pieces from H.G. Bradley in Harare — then Salisbury, Rhodesia — in the 1970s. They knew Mr Bradley well and admired his style and his dedication to perfection.
Bradley's workshop produced high-quality interpretations of Danish Modern designs, deliberately unlabelled so as not to be mistaken for the Danish originals. These pieces carry no manufacturer's labels, and their identification rests on the original owners' first-hand recollection rather than surviving documentation.
All Vintage Club pieces are carefully considered for authenticity, provenance and condition before acquisition. Restoration is undertaken in-house to the highest standard.
Maker: H.G. Bradley, Harare Country: Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) Period: 1970s Materials: Teak, brass fittings Components: 2 sliding-door cabinets, 1 drop-front desk cabinet, 1 three-drawer chest, 7 standard shelves, 1 long shelf, 4 narrow shelves, 8 wall rails (3 long, 3 medium, 2 short) Dimensions: TBC
Sliding-door cabinets W 100 × D 30 × H 37 cm · Drop-front desk and Chest W 100 × D 40 × H 52 cm · Shelves W 100 × D 30 / W 100 × D 23 / W 52,5 × D 23 · Wall rails 160 cm (longest) · Overall as photographed approx. W 452,5 cm
Condition report Very good restored condition. The set is complete, with all cabinets, shelves, wall rails and brass brackets present. The teak has been refinished, the drawers and sliding doors run smoothly, and the drop-front lock works with its key. The brass brackets carry a gentle patina.
Two watermarks to the upper surface, recent, lifted and refinished in-house, some faint trace may remain in certain lights.
Supplied unassembled. Installation requires secure fixing to a solid wall. As with all authentic mid-century pieces, gentle signs of age remain and are considered part of their character.
