Set of 4 vintage "multi-width" desk shelves by Robert Heritage for Beaver and Tapley, 1960s

Four sections of ‘multi-width’ cabinets designed by Robert Heritage for Beaver and Tapley. British designer Robert Heritage designed the modular ‘multi-width’ range in 1960, slim and compact enough not to take up too much room in the home, whilst still offering plenty of storage and display area. These narrow, compact pieces of furniture are sat on strut style legs with neat brass handles and finished in straight grain Sapele veneer. The shelves are suspended on brass clips and offer three height positions, whilst the front section of the shelf is nicely chamfered to make them appear much slimmer. The set includes: a glass fronted display/bookshelf with a wooden shelf over two cupboards used for holding records - the ‘M’ shaped hooped metal dividers have been lost. A narrow section, again with glass sliding doors over a two-door sliding cupboard. A drop down desk/bureau - which would also work as a drinks cabinet - over two sliding cupboards, with extended strut legs for stability with the front down. Lastly, a glass fronted display/bookshelf with a wooden shelf over two sliding cupboards. These pieces which came from the same house, were bought from new and have been well looked after over the years. In very good vintage condition, with only minor wear as shown in the last image where the veneer has lifted and has period repairs. The cabinets have simply been Danish oiled and are ready to use. Beaver & Tapley started manufacturing furniture in the early 1930s - with a break during the Second World War - selling their product ranges based wholly on price. By the mid 1950s they decided that just being cheaper than their competitors was not the way forward in the long term and came up with a number of new strategies; to use some top designers; to advertise nationally; to sell on quality and design, not purely on price. Reference : 253755