Gerald Summers Occasional Table

British

1934

Designed by Gerald Summers (1899-1967)

Made by 'Makers of Simple Furniture' 1932-1940

Birch Ply

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 two tiered coffee 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.

Diameter 73 cm height 40.5 cm (28.75 x 16 in)

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