Looking for all the world like a sleek Danish mid century icon by Jacobsen or Quistgaard this slender and minimalist beauty is actually as British as a Mini or a cream tea. Durlston Designs was based out of Hersham in Surrey, hardly the hotbed of industrial design in Europe, but the range of mirrors produced here are valued by collectors worldwide. There is scant information out there about the manufacturer but the design is usually attributed to Owen F Thomas either independently or in association with Robert Welch. There is something of an Old Hall feel to it, but perhaps the composition is more sophisticated in its Danish leanings. Various different finishes were produced in powder coated paint, steel and chrome with varying sizes of mirror attached. The bases vary from double pronged horizontals, through angled to three pronged, even swivel versions on marble all with excellently conceived proportions. Interestingly the UK market does not value these as highly as the USA where you can expect to pay up to $1000 for a good example. This one is listed on the site for £225. The quality of construction and finish would be very expensive to buy new today, making these classics a stylish bargain.
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