Pair of "Trélazé" slate coffee tables

Slate.
France.
Early 20th century.
75 x 59 x 59 cm (29.5 x 23.2 x 23.2 in).

This pair of slate guéridons relate to the Trélazé region in western France, which was profoundly shaped in the 19th century by the slate industry. Each guéridon consists of a slate top resting on a base composed of two interlocking elements. This construction method reflects the ingenuity of the workers of Trélazé, who sometimes adapted their stone-cutting skills to the making of objects intended for domestic use.

The restrained and almost naïve design—both utilitarian and robust—places these guéridons within the broader tradition of European folk art. Although initially intended for practical use in a modest context, these forms, born of a still largely pre-industrial France, later resonated with modern design, as certain architects and designers in the 20th century sought to reconnect with the origins of architecture and craftsmanship.

Some stains and cracks are present on the guéridons.