Extendable Dining Table from UP Brno, 1930s

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This extendable dining table by up brno is a practical and well-designed piece, made for both everyday use and larger … Read more This extendable dining table by up brno is a practical and well-designed piece, made for both everyday use and larger gatherings. Whether it’s a family meal or a dinner with friends, it adapts easily to the occasion.

this model is a refined variation of the h-356 table, originally designed by (now iconic) czech architect jindřich halabala. Produced by up brno - one of europe’s leading furniture houses of the interwar period, the piece carries the legacy of a moment when modern design, industrial precision, and craftsmanship found the right balance. Alongside figures such as jan vaněk, halabala helped define a visual language that was both progressive and enduring, a language that continues to resonate today.

we believe this particular table was made in the 1930s, most likely as a bespoke order rather than part of the standard catalogue. It represents a more luxurious and less commonly seen version of the model, distinguished by both its materials and construction. The table features a striking dark brown-stained wooden top, which extends smoothly from 125 cm to a generous 205 cm. The extension is straightforward; the top slides apart, and an additional piece, made from the same quality wood, is placed in the centre.

what sets this piece apart is its construction. Instead of the more common four-leg version, the structure rests on two solid wooden supports, each anchored by a substantial base made of grained galvanised sheet metal. This solution not only provides exceptional stability and generous legroom but also introduces a subtle yet distinctive contrast of materials. The metal base, with its textured surface, reflects a lingering influence of art nouveau and art deco sensibilities, combined with the functional clarity of modernist design.

another thing that makes this piece particularly compelling is its balance: robust yet refined, practical yet sculptural. It stands as a testament to early 20th-century design thinking, where innovation was never at odds with beauty.

the oak veneer used here is thicker and more durable than the walnut veneer typically found on standard models, making it easier to maintain over time. The tabletop has also been carefully refurbished using traditional techniques, with a new polished surface applied in keeping with the original finish.

overall the table is in great vintage condition, with only light wear and a natural patina (most visible on the steel base) that reflects its age and adds to its character. It’s stable, ready to use, and built to last for many more years. This piece has an attribution mark,
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