Iconic Victor Wilkins Round 'Astro' Coffee Table by G-Plan
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The 'Astro' coffee table by celebrated furniture maker G-Plan is one of the most iconic British mid-century designs. It features prominently in a number of pop culture references including the cover of the award winning Morcheeba album Big Calm from 1998. The design is influenced by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and features a highly sculptural base that arches up to elevate a circular top with glass insert.
This iconic coffee table is from coveted 'Brasilia' range, introduced in 1964. It was designed by G-Plan's talented in-house designer Victor Wilkins. It is officially named the 'Model 8040' occasional table but affectionately known as the Astro (which is actually the name of a different G-Plan occasional table). Call it what you like but the design speaks for itself – a refined and sculptural offering with an enduring beauty.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
Our full collection is showcased at our Eden Terrace gallery. We have parking available beside the building and would love to see you.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Eden Terrace gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Iconic Victor Wilkins Round 'Astro' Coffee Table by G-Plan
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
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V.B. Wilkins designed several highly successful furniture ranges for G-Plan and demonstrated a keen ability to identify emerging trends and make them appealing to the traditionally conservative British mass market.
Little is known about Wilkins outside of his work for G-Plan. His first design was the ‘Brandon’ range, released in 1953. It was G-Plan's first furniture range and was influential in promoting a modern aesthetic in post-war Britain, replacing heavy, dark-stained furniture with clean lines, light forms, and blond oak.
In 1957 Wilkins designed the Tola & Black range for G-Plan. This was another successful range of furniture which this time channelled the modern Italian style. Wilkins designs toned down some of the more flamboyant features of Italian style making it acceptable to a British audience.
By the 1960’s it was the Scandinavian style that had risen to dominance, making G-Plan and Wilkins previous modern ranges feel surprisingly old-fashioned. Wilkins quickly adapted to this change and produced two of his most iconic furniture ranges.
The popular 1964 'Brasilia' Range was inspired by combining the bold curves of Brasilian modernism with organic Scandinavian craftsmanship and sensibility. In 1967 G-Plan released what was likely their most successful range ever by W.B Wilkins, the 'Fresco'. Many pieces from this range stayed popular and in production for 20 years into the 1980s.
