Tables

Over a period of sixty years it is not surprising that the workshops made every conceivable type of table, from straightforward dining tables, through to complex table assemblies for the boardrooms or major companies. The early examples designed by Gordon Russell were simple, robust and well proportioned, very often with refectory type leg frames, and invariably made in solid oak. In the thirties, more exotic materials were beginning to be used, including rosewood, walnut and mahogany veneers whilst in the post war years the workshops continued large scale production of standard tables. A number of major projects were commissioned, including the boardrooms of British American Tobacco, I.C.I., St. Catherine's College, Oxford, and the Institute of Certified Accountants. In the 60s a quite unique table was made to the design of Dick Russell for King Faisal of Iraq. The table, veneered in Brazilian rosewood, was inlaid with a leaf pattern using pear wood and ebony, with inset silver candle sconces. For many years the firm held the Royal Warrant for the supply of furniture to HM Queen Elizabeth 11. Royal gifts were quite often commissioned, including a table presented to President Eisenhower, with the top depicting the D Day plan for the invasion of Europe.