Pair of 1960s Greaves & Thomas Lamp or Bedside Tables

An exceptional matched pair designed by Walter Cornell for Greaves & Thomas, England, circa 1960. Masterfully crafted in richly grained Kiaat, each table rests on a refined squared frame, its clean architectural lines subtly accented by the original small brass trumpet handles — delicately framed to echo the linear purity of the design. Recessed banding under each drawer enhances the sophisticated illusion of the casework “floating” above the legs. Perfectly proportioned and elegantly restrained, these versatile pieces are equally suited as bedside tables or as statement lamp tables in a living space.

 

MAKER: Greaves and Thomas

DESIGNER: Walter Cornell

COUNTRY: England

YEAR: 1960's

DIMENSIONS:

Length: 59.5 cm
Width: 49.5 cm
Height: 40 cm

CONDITION: Very good vintage condition, they have been gently refurbished and refinished.

As expected with vintage pieces, there is a degree of age-related patina.

This includes a small area of veneer loss that has been carefully repaired and is barely noticeable.

 

 

Greaves & Thomas, or G&T, was a London-based firm that dates back to the early 1900s. Greaves & Thomas, like many other British firms, employed professional designers to produce contemporary furniture by the mid-1950s and 1960s, all of which had clean lines and a Danish influence.  'Iconic Vintage Furniture – Spotlight on Greaves & Thomas Greaves & Thomas furniture, which dates back to the early 1900s, was a high quality and very much ‘high-end’ furniture brand which is extremely sought after today. While the brand was well known for its sofa bed production and designs in the 1920s through to the mid-century period, the brand also produced a stunning array of sideboards, tables and mirrors, all characterised by simple, straight lines and elegant frames. Very much a forward thinking furniture brand, vintage Greaves & Thomas pieces can slot perfectly into the 21st century home.    

 

Brief History and Timeline of Greaves & Thomas

1967 – Popular mid-century Furniture maker Schreiber (now owned by Sainsbury’s) acquired Greaves & Thomas. This acquisition of Greaves & Thomas added substantial weight and credibility to the Schreiber brand and its product line.  

1950s to 1960s – The focus during this time period for Greaves & Thomas was on the recruitment of quality designers. These designers would lead on the execution of the brand’s signature styles, with arguably the most well-known designer being Walter Cornell – who created very streamlined styles most of which were characterised with clean lines and a Danish influence.  

1920s to 1960s – The pull out sofa bed was Greaves & Thomas biggest selling furniture piece during this time period, and was dubbed the ‘Put-u-up‘. Though specialising in Sofa Beds the brand also produced contemporary chairs and dining furniture.  

1900s – The Greaves & Thomas brand was established and was set to become one of the UKs most celebrated furniture makers.    

 

It's no surprise that quality vintage Greaves & Thomas furniture is in high demand today.

- Reference  

 

 

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.