An exceptional and extremely rare Pierre Jeanneret laboratory table, dating from circa 1958 and originally made for the Science Block at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The provenance of the table to the Science Block is documented in Indian Adventure and was also confirmed to us when we purchased the piece in Chandigarh eighteen years ago. The table was originally used within a laboratory, and its remarkable surface records decades of working life at the university.

At 365 cm long, the table has an extraordinary presence. It is constructed from solid Indian rosewood and retains its original light blue painted surface to the top. This particular shade of blue appears on a number of pieces designed by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, including stools, chairs and tables.

For us, it is the condition of the surface that makes this table so special. Much of the original blue paint remains, but decades of laboratory use have worn through areas to expose the rosewood beneath. Across the top are scratches, cuts, abrasions and splashes of other coloured paints, all accumulated during its working life. The resulting surface is almost impossible to reproduce convincingly; it is something that could only have developed naturally through decades of use in the laboratory.

Despite its considerable length, the table is surprisingly practical to transport and install. The central section of the tabletop can be unscrewed and removed, as can the long connecting stretcher, allowing the table to be separated into three sections. The substantial right and left sections remain structurally complete when dismantled. For a table measuring 365 cm long, being able to break it down in this way makes moving and installing it considerably easier.

The table has been carefully restored by our trusted conservator and made structurally solid while retaining all of its original components. The tabletop and legs have been cleaned and waxed, retaining the built-up patina and original painted surface. Nothing has been done to cosmetically improve or disguise the marks, wear and paint splashes that have accumulated across the top. For us, these are fundamental to the history and appeal of the piece.

We have owned this table for eighteen years and, during that time, have never seen another example offered for sale. Other examples remain within Panjab University, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the only decommissioned example to have left the university and become available on the international market.

Although originally conceived as a laboratory work table, its proportions make it remarkably versatile. At 365 cm long it would make an amazing large dining table or work table, while its relatively narrow depth also allows it to work extremely well as a monumental console.

We know this from experience. We have used the table ourselves at the gallery throughout our ownership, and it continues to be used as a working table today. In fact, this description is being written while sitting at it. After living and working with the piece for so long, we still find the combination of its scale, construction, patina and painted surface difficult to beat.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years and have extensive experience in identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling his work. Given the number of later reproductions and incorrectly attributed pieces now on the market, we understand the importance of provenance, construction, materials and restoration when assessing Chandigarh furniture. We are always happy to discuss these aspects in detail and answer any questions regarding the attribution, provenance or restoration of our Chandigarh pieces.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.