Tola Collection Living Room Set by Ernest Gomme for G Plan, 1960s, Set of 4

Incredibly RARE 4 piece Tola Mahogany suite featuring a Highly sought after Librenza, Cradenza, Highboard & Chest of drawers. Designed by Iconic designer Ernest Gomme for G-plan, 1960. In near perfect condition this stunning suite has been looked after for the entirety of its 62 years, retaining its original varnish, brasswear & internal velvet in the drawers in the best condition. The entire collection has an E Gomme Gold embossed stamp, which means that it would be have been made between 1956-1965. (This particular stamp was used on furniture made between 1952-1965).
Models from G Plan’s Tola and Black range first appeared in catalogues from 1956 and continued to be sold well into and through the 1960s. The range featured the use of the wood tola (African mahogany), ebonised wood and brass fittings.

The Librenza -

The Room divider is tola (African mahogany) veneer on engineered board, in a walnut brown and black finish; its sides feature moulded, solid tola fitted around the board and veneer. The top cupboard compartment is enclosed by sliding, removable, doors and feature recessed brass handles, the shelves are ebonised, with the smaller middle shelves being adjustable. The unit’s lower section has two drawers and a fall front, bottom cabinet, revealing a shelved interior; both feature original brass, cast, drop handles. The drawers are constructed with machine, dovetail joints and mahogany lined sides. The whole piece is raised on ebonised legs, with brass feet. The name ‘Librenza’ was devised by Doris Gundry (working within J Walter Thompson advertising agency) and is a combination of ‘library’ and ‘cadenza’, reflecting the design concept. Doris Gundry was also the architect of the name ‘G Plan’ as well as their early slogans.

The sideboard -

The sideboard is tola (African mahogany) veneer on engineered board, in a walnut brown finish; it features an ebonised base, and feet, as well as brass handles and fittings.
The sideboard’s floating style top sits atop three drawers. The drawers are constructed with machine, dovetail joints and mahogany lined sides. One of the drawers is fitted with a velvet lined, cutlery compartment (of which the wooden divider is removable). Finally, the drawers are outlined in brass, and feature original brass, cast, drop handles. The lower section has two large bi-fold doors that slide open on runners to reveal three large compartments, each with adjustable internal shelves. The doors also have original brass, cast, drop handles. The whole unit is raised on square, tapering legs and a shaped front rail, with adjustable, brass feet.

Highboard -

Featuring two ebonised sliding doors with brass ring handles it offers plenty of storage for your glassware and finer china as well as a built in bar to the right with a fall front door that reveals an area big enough for a couple of bottles and some glassware or cocktail equipment. The top has a large double handled drawer which reveals the cutlery drawer. The base contains a large double drawer with a divider and a smaller single drawer which is perfect for cloths and linen or for whichever you are using it for.

Chest of Drawers -

The 4 drawers run smoothly and are clean and tidy. The gold G Plan label is inside the top drawer and the top two have some fixed dividers inside. There are some loop handles on the front and some height adjustable brass feet for levelling on the floor. Nice clean condition with a few age related marks as expected for its age.

Condition report:
The Librenza -

The Librenza is in excellent condition, the Wood panels & surfaces do not have any noticeable marking, water staining or chips. The Ebonized wood is equally as excellent in condition. The interior of the drawers are un-stained, the interior wood inside the drop door and the sliding doors is excellent in condition & the velvet cutlery drawer is immaculate. There are a few marks commensurate with age.

The Cradenza -

The Cradenza is in excellent condition, the Wood panels & surfaces do not have any noticeable marking, water staining or chips. The Ebonized wood is equally as excellent in condition. The interior of the drawers are slightly marked as photographed, but the velvet cutlery drawer is immaculate. The interior space is equally as excellent in condition, retaining its depth of colour and not being water-damaged or marked. There are a few marks commensurate with age.

The Highboard -

The Cradenza is in excellent condition, the Wood panels & surfaces do not have any noticeable marking, water staining or chips. The Ebonized wood is equally as excellent in condition. The interior of the drawers are slightly marked as photographed, but the velvet cutlery drawer is immaculate. The interior space is equally as excellent in condition, retaining its depth of colour and not being water-damaged or marked. There are a few marks commensurate with age.

Chest Of Drawers -

The Chest Of Drawers are in excellent condition, the Wood panels & surfaces do not have any noticeable marking, water staining or chips. The Ebonized wood on the legs is in equally as excellent in condition. The interior of the drawers are un-stained, retaining a beautiful clear sheen and the ‘Tola’ dividers in the top two are immaculate. There are a few marks commensurate with age.

Additional dimensions information:
The Official Measurements are for The Librenza Please See Other Measurements here:
Cradenza - Height 85cm / Depth 46cm / Width 150cm.
Highboard - Height 97cm/ Depth 49cm/ Width 122cm.
Chest Of Drawers - Height 80cm/ Depth 47cm/ Width 96