G-Plan 'Fresco' Teak Coffee Table by Victor Wilkins, 1960s

A refined example of mid-century modern design, this teak coffee table was crafted in the 1960s as part of G-Plan's renowned 'Fresco' range by Victor Wilkins. Known for its distinctive blend of form and function, this piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of G-Plan's craftsmanship.

 

The table's elegant surfboard silhouette features a central glass aperture above a suspended magazine shelf, creating a striking sense of balance and openness. Rich, highly figured teak paired with intricately exposed joinery showcases the thoughtful engineering that defines mid-century furniture. The legs, joined by solid wood stretchers, provide sturdy support while maintaining a light, airy presence.

 

This iconic design gained renewed recognition after appearing in Don Draper's office on the acclaimed series Mad Men, earning it the nickname the "Mad Men table." A true collector's piece, it seamlessly blends practicality with sculptural beauty, making it a captivating addition to any interior.

 

Designer: V.B. Wilkins

Maker: G-Plan

Country: United Kingdom

Year: 1967

Dimensions: W 137cm, D 50cm, H 42cm

Materials: Teak and Afromosia with a glass insert.

Condition: Signs of wear commensurate with age. We have gently refurbished and refinished this table to ensure it is in very good vintage condition. 

 

 

About G-Plan
G-Plan was established in 1952 by Donald Gomme, a member of the family behind the traditional furniture maker E. Gomme Ltd. The brand introduced a fresh approach to furniture design, characterised by three key concepts: lifestyle branding, a consistent range that could be expanded over time, and a commitment to modern style.

The Festival of Britain in 1951 played a significant role in popularising contemporary design in the UK, and G-Plan became one of the first brands to bring modern furniture to a mass market. Despite being priced above the average budget, G-Plan furniture was highly sought after for its quality craftsmanship and forward-thinking design.

Today, G-Plan pieces remain iconic examples of mid-century design, valued for their timeless style and enduring appeal.

 

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British furniture designer Victor Bramwell (V.B.) Wilkins is best known for his Fresco range for G-Plan. Although all of Wilkins known works were produced by G-Plan, there is little biographical information available on the designer. It can be assumed, however, that he worked as an in-house designer for the British manufacturer for many years.

Although most of the British public reverted to traditional tastes after the war, there was a small but growing market for high-quality, modernist furniture, and G-Plan successfully spoke to this younger, more progressive audience. Through clever marketing campaigns, G-Plan set the standard for modernist, mass-market furniture in post-war Britain. G-Plan’s C Range, with an aesthetic that celebrated its machine production, was launched in 1953, and by 1957 it had become enormously popular.

By the 1960s, the Scandinavian look was sweeping international design, and British-made furniture was being outsold by Danish imports. To compete, G-Plan brought in Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921-2003) to create new collections in fine woods, like teak and rosewood. While these Kofod-Larsen pieces have become very collectible today, at the time, they were not well appreciated by the design community—perhaps viewed as lesser variations on the furniture available from Scandinavia. It can be assumed that Wilkins was highly influenced by Kofod-Larsen’s designs as Wilkin’s pieces are often wrongly attributed to Kofod-Larsen.

Riding on the coattails of Kofod-Larsen’s success, Wilkins’ Fresco range also had a strong Scandinavian influence. Designed in 1966 and launched the following year, the range – which was G-Plan’s most successful range –  included a suite of furniture for almost every room in a house, all finished in teak with beautiful, rich grain. The design itself combined the sleek and sculptural aesthetic of Italian furniture with the definitive Scandinavian style that was so popular at the time.

 

 

As with many quality Mid-Century pieces, this design thoughtfully pairs solid wood construction with a premium wood veneer—an approach widely used at the time to highlight beautiful grain patterns while ensuring lasting stability.

 

We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.

 

Restoration Process:

In our studio workshop, every item undergoes a meticulous inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.

 

Our Approach Includes:

• Examining and reinforcing the joints
• Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
• Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
• Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance