Description
Provenance and Background Info
(This description was written in 2011. A bidding war was prompted over this one and it sold for $2500 within 10 days of being listed in iNVISeDGE in 2011. Today in 2018 I’d price the exact same table at $2295-$2700.)
A 6-section DANISH-MADE dining table that extends to be a massive 2.7m long. This table is stamped VEJLE STOLE- MADE IN DENMARK so its Danish provenance is irrefutable. This would be the most versatile table I’ve ever sold. It can disassemble to become only 90cm wide (!), then any number of 4 single extension pieces can be added up to 2.7m- so there are five size options altogether. It would fit any home. At its longest it seats 12 people.
Vejle Stole has a history going back to 1894 and is a business rich in tradition. I’d say this table would be early 1970’s- this is a guess only as I couldn’t find another like it on-line worldwide. There are a decent number of items by Vejle Stole on-line but none like this. I can only speculate as to who the designer is. He or she has done a brilliant job. I love the boldness of the styling but it’s not visually demanding. It almost has a parquetry style and the six bordered sections add an interesting geometric slant. It’s rare to find a table with designer appeal but one that will still complement most chairs especially Danish chairs. Tables that are too “busy” will detract from the chairs and create a disordered look- this one marries beautifully. What I love most about this piece is the 6-bordered sections- (the two pieces that fit in also have a side border on each). The only disadvantage to this is that these pieces can’t be housed under the table- in my opinion it’s a very small trade-off particularly if the table is assembled at 1.8m or 2.7m all the time. With the four-sections only (the end flaps can be taken off each end if desired or left hanging there) the table measures 1.8m.
At first I wasn’t sure about the different toned sections (due to the table being used at different configurations at various stages of its life). It didn’t take me long to really like this aspect of the table. It adds one more dimension to the unique geometric style of this piece. This is not overpowering and at various configurations it’s tonal variations are also symmetrical. It gives the table extra vintage character showing that this piece has been loved for many years. The quality of this table is excellent. Vejle Stole has a reputation for creating items of quality. To create the parquetry-type effect timber veneers were needed. This has been done extremely well. On top of this, the table shows excellent construction qualities. It easily exceeds the quality of Parker vintage dining tables (which are highly acclaimed in Australia). As far as dining tables are concerned I can’t fault the design of this one.
As an investment this table is a great option. After 10 years in this business I’ve seen nothing like it and because of its Danish provenance I doubt I’ll see another again. It is already about 40 years old and after solid use, looks wonderful. If used sensibly this table will hold up to another few lifetimes. People are starting to come back to vintage furniture and there are many reasons why. There’s no better way of investing in your home financially and reducing landfill. I love knowing that virtually every item in my home will outlive me and be passed onto future generations to enjoy.
