When it comes to teak dining tables of the mid 20th century, this double extending dining table by the prolific maker AH Mcintosh must be right up there in the popularity stakes. Perhaps at the top of the tree when it comes to vintage dining tables!
About Mcintosh
The Scottish furniture maker McIntosh is best known for their mid-century style furniture, particularly for teak dining tables, chairs and sideboards . Founded in 1869 by Alexander Henry McIntosh, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, the business quickly grew in size, requiring new, larger premises. Just a decade later, in 1879, McIntosh bought a new factory and opened their Victoria Cabinet Works.
Though little information regarding McIntosh’s early designs is available, it is known that the factory joined the war effort during the First World War. With most workers (including the founder’s grandson, Henry) called up to enlist, they began manufacturing plane wings and other parts during the war. Alexander Henry’s son Thomas Wishart McIntosh, headed the family business from London, where McIntosh had established an office.
Despite a Danish modern aesthetic, the company marketed itself as a proud Scottish firm that employed traditional processes, carried out by local, highly-skilled cabinetmakers. The McIntosh label, which survives on many 1950s and 1960s pieces, shows the Scottish thistle and crown. From 1948 until 1983, Tom Robertson, the designer of the T3 dining table, worked as head designer for the firm, creating many notable designs, including the Dunvegan and Dunfermline sideboards in both teak and rosewood.
The T3 dining table, produced in teak and rosewood versions, remains highly sought after today for a variety of reasons.
Additional Leaves
Typically, though not exclusively, many Danish Dining Tables will have two additional leaves rather than a single extra leaf. The T3 mid century dining table is one of relatively few British tables with two additional leaves. As well as allowing a greater overall length, two extra leaves give greater flexibility as one or both of the leaves can be added, allowing three different table lengths to be achieved.
Size
As a general rule, British dining tables of the mid century period tend to be shorter than their Danish counterparts. The T3 vintage dining table is, again, an exception. In addition to extra overall length, the fact that this mid century teak table has two extra leaves, means that the table can be more compact and space saving in its unextended form.
Leg / Frame Styling
One design element of this teak dining table that appeals to me and to many others is the way in which the legs curve gently to merge with the top piece of this vintage dining table. Not over-fussy, just aesthetically pleasing.
Shape of the Table Top
When it comes to the shape of this mid century dining table, rectangular is a winner. This shape maximises the usable seating positions that this vintage dining table can accommodate. Unless you simply prefer the shape of an oval table, they’re really a bit of a space saving compromise where you lose some usable space where the corners would be. Similarly, tables that are circular when unextended involve a similar trade-off when extended.
Conclusion
The T3 vintage dining table by McIntosh has everything going for it. If you’re looking out for one of these fantastic mid century teak dining tables, you may be very lucky and find one on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. That’s likely to take you some time though and condition is very likely to be poor. So, consider buying from a reputable, established vintage furniture dealer who will have had their mid century dining tables refinished. Our own retrovintage website is a super place to begin your research.
