Rare and Iconic Tibor Donner Auckland City Council Meeting Table
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Tibor Donner (1907–1993) is one of Auckland’s most influential Architects. His tenure as Chief Architect to the Auckland City Council from 1946–67 has left a legacy of inspired and outstanding modernist buildings across the city. Highlights include the Parnell Baths (1951) and City Council Administration Building (1954).
Donner was not only a pioneering architect, he also was a gifted furniture designer. In 1949 the Mayor of Auckland, John Allum, asked Donner to remodel the furniture for the Mayor, Mayoress and town clerk's rooms. In response, Donner produced some of the most sophisticated modernist furniture in New Zealand.
Unsurprisingly, most New Zealander's weren't ready for the avante-garde designs. A New Zealand Herald article from the 24th of November 1949 reads "Renovation of Mayoral Office described as 'a monstrosity' and 'something that might have been produced by a member of a tribe in darkest Africa' by members of the City Council".
Unfortunately, most of the Donner furniture was thrown away in the 1990s. This suite of pieces are the only surviving examples we are aware of.
Reference images from 'Modern' by Jeremy Hansen.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
Our full collection is showcased at our Eden Terrace gallery. We have parking available beside the building and would love to see you.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Eden Terrace gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Rare and Iconic Tibor Donner Auckland City Council Meeting Table
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
Tibor Donner (1907 - 1993) is one of Auckland's most influential Architects. His tenure as Chief Architect to the Auckland City Council from 1946 - 67 has left a legacy of inspired and outstanding modernist buildings across the city. Highlights include the Parnell Baths (1951) and City Council Administration Building (1954).
Fleeing persecution in Romania, Donner emigrated to New Zealand in 1927. On arrival, he studied architecture at Auckland University College and was a prize winning student with great ambition. Donner's work often incorporates 'high modernism' influences from North and South America, although the use of local materials gives his work a distinctly New Zealand flavour.
Donner was not only a pioneering architect, he also was a gifted furniture designer. In 1949 the Mayor of Auckland, John Allum, asked Donner to remodel the council offices. In response, Donner produced some of the most sophisticated modernist furniture in New Zealand. Unfortunately, most examples were thrown away in the 1990s.
