Image source: Vitra — Elliptical Table ETR
© Vitra and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Elliptical Table ETR
The Eames surfboard table: a long, low elliptical top on two welded steel wire bases
2267 × 255 × 746 mm
1951
Official product information
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Overview
The Elliptical Table ETR (Elliptical Table Rod Base) is dated 1951 and credited to Charles and Ray Eames, nicknamed the "surfboard table" by Vitra.
Construction
- Top: poplar plywood core, lacquered edge, HPL surface in white or black
- Base: two separate elements in powder-coated steel wire, white or basic dark
Specifications
- L 2267 x W 746 x H 255 mm, base elements 927 mm apart
- Top colours 12 white and 30 black; base colours 04 white and 30 basic dark
Story
One base becomes two
Vitra's magazine presents the ETR as developed from the Occasional Table LTR: the same wire base idea, doubled so that it can carry a top of 226.7 cm.
Surfboard on the roof
An Eames Office photograph of an Elliptical Table being loaded onto a car is the page's illustration of the humour in the design, which Vitra connects to the motto "Take your pleasure seriously".
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