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Otto Wretling "Ideal" Table, Sweden 1936

Creator: Otto Wretling
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
This beautiful foldable table by Otto Wretling is quite literally ideal. Designed in Umeå, Sweden in 1936, this “Ideal” model was also produced by Wretling and still features the maker’s label inside.

The “Idealbord” (Ideal table) has an inventive design, with flaps that make the tabletop foldable, and a column that can adjust the table’s height. Although this table dates from the dawn of what we now call Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, functionality was clearly already a core design idea. The column on the base is black lacquered and the metal bearing adjusting the height is also painted black to match it. The table in its closed position has an ebony veneer like the base, while when folded out, the birch becomes visible with its ebony inlays. The inlays have a peculiar pattern and show great craftsmanship.

Thanks to the adjustability of the table’s height and length, it can serve as both a dining and coffee table as well as a console table. It is ideal not only in its name, but also for its versatile functions. It was patented in 1936 by Swedish cabinetmaker Otto Wretling, who designed the table together with his son, Bo Wretling in 1935.

Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Item has some minor marks and scratches.

Dimensions:
88.19 in W x 26.97 in D x 30.32 in H
224 cm W x 68.5 cm D x 77 cm H

About the designer:
Otto Leonard Wretling (1901-1986) was born in the city of Umea, Sweden. He was a visual artist, designer, painter, and furniture manufacturer. Contemporarily he is best-known for the Ideal table.

Together with brother Wilhelm (1871–1951) Otto Wretling took over the father's painting company in 1897. The business was soon expanded with a furniture carpentry in 1905, and Otto Wretling became the head designer. The company's furniture style was initially inspired by Art Nouveau, but over time it developed into a tighter Scandinavian design. Wretling also designed and built a couple of houses in Umeå. The company in central Umea was active until 1969. Throughout his life, he was active as a visual artist and created a large number of paintings in oil with natural motifs from Norrland (Northern Sweden). In 1928, Company Otto Wretling was selected as the Royal Court Supplier by King Gustaf V. ~H.

Shipping:
This table will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the work in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	Sweden
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	metal, ebony veneer, birch
Condition:	Good. In very good vintage condition. Item has some minor marks and scratches.
Creation Date:	1936
Styles / Movements:	Collectible Design, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Dealer Reference #:	20150001
Incollect Reference #:	432206

Dimensions

W.	88.19 in;	H.	30.31 in;	D.	26.97 in;
W.	224 cm;	H.	77 cm;	D.	68.5 cm;

Message from Seller:

Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great

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