Gordon Russell Ltd

We found a lovely Gordon Russell coffee table in a charity shop yesterday going for peanuts. Despite having a glut of coffee tables at the moment (we have a 'slick' of them in the bedroom!) we just couldn't leave it behind. We think it's made from yew wood - it has a wonderfully lustrous grain and dates to the late 1950s early 1960s.

Sir Gordon Russell was an illustrious designer working across many mediums but it was his fine furniture and his involvement in the post war utilitarian movement that he's probably best known for. There is a Gordon Russell museum based in the original, now listed, workshop with a great online resource too - click the link below

http://www.gordonrussellmuseum.org/home

You're quite right Pip, a pic would just spoil us

Patience dear boy ;-)

A Gordon Russell card table. Dated 1966 stamped also AC although I haven't been able to work out the relevance of that yet.
I also haven't worked out the wood possibly beech? there is no mention on the museum site which Pip referred to above, but I may write to them and ask for more info if they have it.

and the interior which is perfect (although the person I bought it from blithely said, well you can replace that to make it look better )

Sorry I should have said, I have been searching AC as possibly the designer, but haven't found a link yet.
m

I've had a reply from Trevor Chinn the archivist at the GR museum
The card table was made by Gordon Russell but not designed by them. They were sent the drawings and it was made for the Ministry for Public Buildings and Works. He goes on to say they understood they were for use in Army Officers quarters (posh quarters I would say) and it was a Government contract. Made Feb 1966 from Afromosia timber.
I am so pleased to hear from him. Trying to work out the wood was driving me mad.
m

Trevor Chinn is listed as Gordon Russell Chief Designer from 1967 having joined Gordon Russell in 1938. According to the museum website he is a trustee of the Museum. I am most grateful he replied to my email.

should have noticed that upright arrow which I believe is the war dept mark

Very interesting FlyingFree. I've never heard of Afromosia wood before!