PENGUIN DONKEY

Designed by Egon Riss in 1939, the Penguin Donkey bookcase has become a design classic. The original design was named the Donkey because it had four legs and two compartments resembling panniers. 

Publisher Allen Lane was an early fan of the design and since it was apparent that the shelves were perfectly sized to accommodate the newly launched, distinctive orange Penguin paperbacks, the Donkey was rechristened the Penguin Donkey.

The Penguin Donkey was launched just as World War Two broke out, with around 100 manufactured and sold before production ceased as a result of the war. Now reissued by Isokon Plus, this characterful design icon enjoys an enduring appeal.

(Via Atelier Éditions)