Gerald Summers Centre Table
British 1899-1967
Circa 1934
Designed by Gerald Summers (1899-1967)
Made by 'Makers of Simple Furniture' (1932-1940)
An oval two-tiered dining table of birch ply with black lacquer edging.
The most innovative designer in Britain in the 1930’s Gerald Summers’ significance is only now being appreciated as emphasis has heretofore been placed upon the achievements of European and Scandinavian designers and because ‘Makers of Simple Furniture’ was a small company, producing mainly to order, without the publicity machine of larger workshops. This dining table is typical of Summers' love of simple, economical and practical design and the plywood, which had been used since the 1920's but always disguised, is here appreciated for its intrinsic beauty and versatility. The black lacquer edge brilliantly defines the sculptural form of the table.
The table bears the decal for 'Heals'.
length 150 cm depth 117 cm height 72 cm (59 x 46 x 28.5 in)
Bibliography:
Furnishing the small Home published London and New York 1930’s by the Studio Ltd.
The Design History Journal 1992 Vol.5 No.3
A History of British Design 1839-1970 Fiona McCarthy pub.1972
Exhibitions:
Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Vitra Design Museum
Phoenix Art Museum
Thirties British Art and Design before the War organized by the Arts Council of Great Britain, London 1979