Vintage Isokon Penguin Donkey Mark II by Ernest Race 1963

Regular price: £325.00
Sale price: £325.00
Regular price

An iconic Isokon Penguin Donkey Mark II book table, designed by Ernest Race in 1963.

The clever compact design was created specifically for storing Penguin paperbacks, with open compartments for books and magazines arranged around a useful flat upper surface. Its distinctive shape is said to resemble the panniers carried by a donkey, giving the piece its memorable name.

This vintage example has a warm cream-painted body raised on contrasting dark wooden legs. The asymmetrical compartments accommodate books both horizontally and vertically, making it an attractive and practical piece of British modernist furniture.

Perfect beside a chair or sofa, it can be used as a small bookcase, occasional table or display piece. It is particularly appealing when filled with vintage Penguin paperbacks, as shown in our photographs

The vintage books shown in the photographs are for display only and are not included.

Product variants

Size/Dimensions

H: 40 cm x L: 53 cm x W: 40 cm

Condition

In good, sturdy vintage condition with wear consistent with its age and use.

There are marks, scratches, fine lines and areas of paint loss across the cream-painted finish. The edges have some rubbing and chipping, including a more noticeable chipped area on one upper corner. There is also a small patch of paint loss inside one compartment. The dark wooden legs display light surface wear but remain firmly attached. The overall structure feels solid and usable.

The finish has not been restored, retaining the character and patina acquired through use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as these form an important part of the condition description.

The vintage books shown in the photographs are for display only and are not included.

Please note that the bookcase will be carefully dismantled for safe transit and will require straightforward reassembly upon arrival.

1960s