Poul Cadovius

POUL CADOVIUS (Denmark, 1911-2011) for Royal System
Modular bookcase "Abstracta", 1960s
Chromed steel structure and glass shelves.
Retains the original shelves.
Good general condition. The metal structure is clean and polished, with slight spots of surface rust, consistent with its age.
Measurements: 189 × 79 × 29 cm.

Elegant modular shelving from the Abstracta system, designed by Poul Cadovius in the 1960s. The structure, formed by chrome-plated steel tubes joined by discreet metal connectors, forms an open composition of cubic modules that stands out for its visual lightness and geometric clarity. The original glass shelves reinforce the transparency of the whole, characteristic of mid-20th century Scandinavian design.

Conceived as a modular system, it allows multiple configurations and combinations of materials -such as glass, wood or metal-, adapting flexibly to different uses such as shelving, room dividers or display cases. Its innovative structural conception made it one of the most representative modular systems of post-war European design.

Poul Cadovius, founder of the Royal System firm in 1945, was a key figure in 20th century Danish design. His proposals, based on functionality and structural lightness, contributed to redefining modern furniture. His designs are part of important institutional collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen.