A nest of three teak tables by Gordon Russell. Simple in form with an inset, reeded edge and rounded legs. Minimal restoration, just a light polish, these tables are in excellent condition, with makers plate label ‘Gordon Russell Limited, Broadway Worcs’ to the underside. English design and manufacture, circa 1950s.

Dimensions
Largest table: Height: 45.5cm; Width: 68cm; Depth: 45cm
Middle table: Height: 40cm; Width: 60.5cm; Depth: 45cm
Smallest table: Height: 34.5cm; Width: 52.5cm; Depth: 45cm

Gordon Russell was a British designer and furniture maker, active from the early 20th Century. With no formal design education, he found his way into the industry through his father’s restoration business and a keen interest in the Arts and Craft movement.

Russell’s business took off between the two World Wars, founded on a belief that through combining hand craft and machine process, furniture could become more efficiently produced and ultimately, more affordable, without compromising on quality.

This lead to Russell’s appointment by the Government to lead the design panel set up to manufacture utility furniture CC41. Continued influence on practical, affordable design and manufacture of post war furniture helped re-build the UK after the second world war.

In 1947, Russell was made the first chairman of what is now called the Design Council. He was awarded a CBE in 1955 for services to design.