“MF 710” Modular Bookshelf in Rosewood & Metal, Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil, c. 1955 – Lot 109
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Description
Designed in 1955 by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, the MF 710 bookshelf stands as one of the most refined expressions of Brazilian post-war modernism, where industrial rigor meets humanist design intelligence. Conceived within Unilabor’s cooperative model—uniting artists, architects, and skilled workers—the MF series reflects De Barros’s belief that modern furniture should be rational, adaptable, and socially progressive without sacrificing material beauty.
This freestanding shelving system is structured around a slender blackened iron frame, supporting a carefully composed arrangement of storage elements in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), white Formica panels, and solid brass hardware. The modular composition balances open and closed volumes, allowing the piece to function equally as a bookshelf, room divider, or architectural storage element placed freely within a space.
The configuration includes three drawers, two enclosed box cabinets, and two open shelves, offering generous and versatile storage while preserving a visually light, linear presence. The contrast between the richly grained rosewood veneers and the pale Formica surfaces underscores De Barros’s modernist vocabulary—graphic, disciplined, and unmistakably architectural. The brass pulls introduce a subtle warmth, punctuating the composition without ornament.
The rosewood surfaces have been professionally refinished, revealing deep, expressive grain and natural patina, while the brass hardware has been carefully repolished. The piece remains structurally sound and in excellent overall condition. Importantly, the original Unilabor manufacturing seal is preserved beneath the lower shelf, confirming authenticity and historical provenance.
Rare on the market, the MF 710 exemplifies Geraldo de Barros’s enduring influence on Brazilian modern design—an object rooted in social ideals, yet timeless in its visual clarity and material sophistication.