Ron Arad Israel, b. 1951
Unique 'Bookworm' bookshelf, 1994
Patinated steel
210 x 155 x 20 cm
82 1/2 x 61 1/2 x 8 in
82 1/2 x 61 1/2 x 8 in
Further images
This iconic piece of contemporary design: the 'Bookworm' by Ron Arad, was created in 1993. Its name, which translates literally to 'bookworm,' evokes both its literary use and its sinuous,...
This iconic piece of contemporary design: the "Bookworm" by Ron Arad, was created in 1993. Its name, which translates literally to "bookworm," evokes both its literary use and its sinuous, serpentine form.
This innovative shelf, designed by the Israeli architect and designer, is made from a steel ribbon tensioned like a spring, allowing it to support a considerable load thanks to its clever twisting design.
The integrated bookends, which also serve as fixtures, invite users to express their creativity by drawing on the wall. Arad, passionate about experimentation and organic forms, initially envisioned this bookshelf for his own home in London, aiming to create a spiraled wall composition.
The Bookworm quickly gained immense popularity as it breaks away from traditional linear shelves. This iconic work has found its place in museums such as MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
This innovative shelf, designed by the Israeli architect and designer, is made from a steel ribbon tensioned like a spring, allowing it to support a considerable load thanks to its clever twisting design.
The integrated bookends, which also serve as fixtures, invite users to express their creativity by drawing on the wall. Arad, passionate about experimentation and organic forms, initially envisioned this bookshelf for his own home in London, aiming to create a spiraled wall composition.
The Bookworm quickly gained immense popularity as it breaks away from traditional linear shelves. This iconic work has found its place in museums such as MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the designer, circa 1994Publications
Volker Albus, The Bookworm by Ron Arad, Frankfurt, 1997, p. 26Paola Antonelli, Ron Arad: No Discipline, exh. cat., The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2009, pp. 61–63