Bauhaus coffeetable or conference table by W.H. Gispen with a lino top. High quality timeless design, after almost 100 years it is still very stable, sturdy and only shows small signs of aging (only visible close up) Nice minimalist design, great contrast because of the black and silver. Underneath it is marked with a brass Gispen plate.
When looking up model 503 online, one often sees the table with four seperate tablelegs instead of this curved tubular steel in a cross shape. The original catalogue from the 1930s shows this exact table and description (see in last pictures). It was supplied in different versions with different materials. This one was version (p) - black lino on multiplex wood, aluminum rings and tubular steel frame.
In 1916, Gispen was founded by Willem Hendrik Gispen. Often abbreviated to W.H. Gispen. Willem Hendrik Gispen lived from 1890 to 1981. He studied Engineering at the Academy of Visual Arts and Technical Sciences. Gispen was extremely creative and always sketching and drawing in his sketchbook, which he carried around. He had the ability to instantly put his ideas on paper. After completing his studies, he became a designer at a factory for decorative wrought iron in Rotterdam. His his entrepreneurial spirit got the better of him and in 1916 he took over the factory and renamed it the W.H. Gispen & Co Art Forge, located at the Voorhaven in Rotterdam.
Gispen has an impressive past when it comes to products that have taken a special place in the world of design, innovation, inspiration and sustainability. Each design was an innovative step at the time, referring to projects such as the Giso lighting or the ‘Goed Wonen’ period. This continued in office furniture products and also later with the introduction of office concepts.
Creator
W.H. Gispen
Manufacturer
Gispen
Design Period
1930s
Production Period
1930 to 1940
Country of Manufacture
Netherlands
Identifying Marks
This piece has no attribution marks
Style
Art Deco, Modernist, Haagse School, The Haguu School, Architectural
Detailed Condition
Good — This antique piece has no structural defects, but it shows slight traces of use on tabletop and some small traces on steel
Restoration and Damage Details
Product Code
0168
Materials
Multiplex with lino, tubular chromed steel and aluminum
