1965 Teak Gordon Russell Coffee Table.
A vintage teak coffee table designed by Gordon Russell, 1965
An elegant minimalistic design, with a rectangular top and a striking geometric arrangement of the stretchers, this teak finished coffee table was designed in 1965 and made by Gordon Russell Ltd. UK.
With makers mark ‘Gordon Russell Limited’ to the underside. English design and manufacture.
In very good original vintage condition, it has been meticulously cleaned and refinished to preserve the natural colour.
Dimensions: 122cm L, 48cm W, 41cm H.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Sir Gordon Russell was born in 1892 and at age 16 began working at a small joinery alongside other skilled craftsmen helping to repair antique furniture for his father. Russell never had a formal education in design and learnt by observing the Arts and Crafts tradition of the Cotswolds. After the first world war he and his father setup Russell and Sons where they began to design and manufacture furniture, over the years the company was responsible for designing and manufacturing thousands of pieces of furniture with a focus on quality craftsmanship. The business however faced many trying times including the economic depression of the 1930s and the Second World War but the company evolved and adapted creating a wider range of products to suit the needs of the time, from radio sets to utility furniture for people that had lost their home and possessions during the war.
Gordon Russell was awarded a Knighthood for his services to Design and Industry in 1955.
Sir Gordon Russell shaped the history of 20th-century British design, bridging the gap from the arts and crafts movement to a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Passionate about high standards of craftsmanship, he also accepted machinery as a means of reaching out to a wider market without compromising quality.
This combination of functionality with design made Sir Gordon Russell a pioneer in creating furniture to suit modern life. After WWII his furniture company successfully adapted and modernised to produce utilitarian items available to the masses, as well as bespoke pieces for special commissions.
The Gordon Russell furniture company received a number of commissions from high profile individuals, such as a ‘Snowshill’ chest of drawers commissioned by Prime Minister David Lloyd
George to be made from a holly tree that had fallen in his garden. The piece includes a distinctive central drawer, which was designed to contain a top hat. Another prominent commission for the company came from Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The company created an occasional table displaying a map of the D-Day landings, which was presented to President Eisenhower during a state visit to the USA in 1957.In addition, the company participated in large-scale projects to bring its modern designs to the public. In 1960 the Gordon Russell furniture company collaborated with Basil Spence, the architect of the new Coventry Cathedral to create chairs suitable for the space. Required to be durable, to simulate pews, to stack and to link together, the design was revolutionary and hugely successful, with many of the original chairs still in use today. The design for these chairs was later used at Winchester, Wells, Southwark and Hereford Cathedrals and has recently gone back into production.
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Like many Mid-Century pieces, it harmoniously combines sturdy solid wood with a top-grade wood veneer.
We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.
Restoration Process:
In our studio workshop, every item undergoes a meticulous inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.
Our Approach Includes:
- Examining and reinforcing the joints
- Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
- Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
- Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance
