Metal and Travertine Coffee Table in the manner of Gilbert Poillerat, Europe ca 1980s (sold)















Metal and Travertine Coffee Table in the manner of Gilbert Poillerat, Europe ca 1980s (sold)
By the mid-1980s, the modern and urban aesthetic was the epitome of cool. Tubular furniture, glass or stone-topped tables, chrome finishes and glass bricks all became ‘must have’ items. This table is modern yet features details of previous design eras, making it timeless.
Although this table was crafted in the 1980s, we can see how the design draws inspiration from the elegance and innovation that was characteristic of early 20th-century French decorative arts. French designers such as Gilbert Poillerat - renowned for his exquisite ironwork - transformed the approach to the material altogether. The table serves as a functional piece and a great example of how the early 20th century reimagined the use of iron in design and culture more broadly and allowed for future decades to take inspiration. Utilising and highlighting the qualities of the materials, this coffee table is a beautiful piece that can both dominate and complement a modern space. The tabletop is made from travertine; travertine is a form of limestone, and here it brings a distinctive character to the table. Known for its unique, porous surface, it showcases natural variations in colour and texture, consequently making each piece one-of-a-kind. The stone’s natural tones add a touch of timeless elegance. At the same time, the iron frame showcases meticulous craftsmanship and style. The legs of the table are delicately curved and decorative, forming graceful lines that evoke a sense of movement and lightness despite the robustness of the materials.
Coffee tables, in general, serve as design staples in living spaces for a multitude of reasons: beyond their utilitarian function of providing a surface for drinks and books, they anchor a room, creating a focal point around which furniture and conversation revolve. Overall, this table equally emphasizes function and visual interest, creating an instantly arresting aesthetic.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Minor marks, scratches, and dents. Due to the nature of the stone, the item may have some additional discolouration.
Dimensions:
42.12 in W x 42.12 in D x 18.89 in H
107 cm W x 107 cm D x 48 cm H
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet were a French design duo who worked together during the 20th century. They were known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. The duo’s work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.
Audoux & Minet’s pieces are characterised by a strong sense of craftsmanship, with each piece being handmade by the designers themselves or by skilled artisans. This dining table showcases a long rectangular top finished in warm wood veneer, its broad uninterrupted surface displays the grain. The top sits above thick base covered in a tightly woven natural fibre that introduces an immediate depth of tone and texture. The fibre flows across the supports in beautiful braided patterns, emphasising the bold and solid look. The rope is made into a geometric pattern which breaks up the woven surface to create a beautiful rhythm within the structure. The contrast of materials is central to the table’s character: the smooth, richly grained wooden top stands out against the coarse, rough and natural fibre below, allowing two very different surfaces to define the piece.
Today, Audoux and Minet's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this table stand out through their unique textures, and their materials, as well as their classic charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item has some marks and scratches on the tabletop. Additional imperfections like chips, dents or discolouration may be present.
Dimensions:
67.12 in W x 33.46 in D x 29.13 in H
170.5 cm W x 85 cm D x 74 cm H