Gerald Summers Dining Table
British
1930's
Designed by Gerald Summers (1899-1967)
Made by 'Makers of Simple Furniture' 1932-1940
Dimensions: Diameter 122 cm (48 in)
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 round dining table, the top resting on a simple drum base is typical of Summers' love of 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.
Originally offered through Heals, Harrods and select department stores in the US, examples of Summers' designs are now held by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany.
Bibliography:
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