Item Description
A very elegant set of tray tables by Illum Wikkelsø, one of the finest Danish designers of the postwar period. Wikkelsø was known for his refined proportions, his superb craftsmanship and his instinct for making everyday objects feel special. These tray tables show all three qualities, and are as functional as they are stylish. Four trays are neatly stored inside a low, square rosewood cabinet, which serves as a handsome side or coffee table in its own right. When guests arrive, the trays are drawn out and each opens on its own slender X-shaped folding stand, instantly creating a set of individual tables for drinks, snacks or coffee. When the occasion is over, the trays slide back into the cabinet and the whole ensemble disappears into a clean, minimal form. It is a thoughtful and highly civilised piece of design that reflects the Danish talent for combining elegance with practicality. The materials are exceptional throughout. The rosewood veneer is beautifully figured, with rich, flame-like grain that glows in tones of deep chocolate and red-brown. Polished brass is used with restraint: on the handles, on the knobs of the trays, and in the fine decorative inlaid borders along the edges of each tray top, whose delicate scrolling pattern adds a jewel-like detail to the surface. The warm gleam of the brass against the dark wood is a hallmark of Danish design in the 1960s. The tables are in beautiful, all original condition, with the original finish and hardware intact, which is increasingly rare for pieces of this age and complexity. Equally suited to a living room, a library or a dining space, the set is perfect for entertaining, and will appeal to collectors of Danish modern design looking for something more unusual than the standard side table.
