Mid-Century Modernist Side Tables by Gerald Summers, 1950s, Set of 2

A fabulous pair of oak and cast aluminium ‘TV-T’ side tables, designed by Gerald Summers (British 1899-1967). Cast maker’s mark to undersides: GERALD SUMMERS/ REGISTERED DESIGN NO 871987. Circa – 1953 – 1958.

Mid Century Modernism – The pair have the original gold painted finish to the aluminium, standing on turned splayed oak legs. The top oak insets appear to have been re-veneered at some point. The oak has been cleaned and waxed. There are signs of use around the tables, especially to the painted finish, some paint flaking to the underside too. There is a minor piece of veneer missing to an edge of one top. Please refer to the photographs. The side tables are very sturdy with no loose joints.

Gerald Summers was the most innovative of British Modernist designers. The ‘TV-T’ table is one of Gerald Summers few post-war designs. It was created more than a decade after the closure of his London firm, Makers of Simple Furniture. He registered the aluminium design with the patent office in October 1953. According to the promotional material that he prepared for the table, Summers intended the piece as an occasional table or stool, suitable for any room in the home, or for use in retail shops as display furniture. Summers contracted two separate firms to manufacture the parts: one to cast the aluminium, and the other to turn the hardwood legs. He and Marjorie Summers (his wife and business partner) packaged the finished components in a gift box with a cellophane window and dispatched them to customers.