Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22

Drawing Board and Chair by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio, 1970's

About the Item

A rare and well-preserved Drawing Board and Chair set designed by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio in the 1970s — an iconic example of Portuguese modernist design rooted in functional clarity and material honesty. Crafted in warm-toned beech wood, the set exemplifies Espinho’s refined architectural sensibility and deep understanding of ergonomics and proportion. The table’s height adjusts from 87 cm to 100 cm, offering versatility for both working and display contexts. Its original light green protective tabletop cover remains intact, bearing beautiful, age-related signs that add to its authentic charm. The drawer features the original Olaio locking system and, remarkably, still includes the original Olaio key — a rarely preserved detail among surviving examples. The matching high chair echoes the same structural purity and completes the ensemble with seamless coherence. Both pieces remain in excellent original condition, untouched by restoration, preserving the genuine patina and integrity of their era. This set was selected for the first exhibition of Portuguese Design in 1971, a testament to its cultural and historical significance. Perfect for a studio, gallery, or refined interior, it’s more than a design classic — it’s a museum-worthy piece of Portuguese design history with unmistakable presence and provenance. Table Width: 120 cm Depth: 80 cm Height: from 87 cm to 100 cm Chair Width: 45 cm Depth: 40 cm Height: 100 cm Seat Height: 70 cm
  • Creator:
    José Espinho 1 (Designer),Olaio (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 34.26 in (87 cm)Width: 47.25 in (120 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Detailed photographs are provided as part of the description to offer a clear view of minor imperfections. More images available by request.
  • Seller Location:
    Lisboa, PT
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 8691stDibs: LU6719244452472

More From This Seller

View All
José Espinho Armchair Model Prefa for Móveis Olaio, 1962
By José Espinho 1, Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
Jose´ Espinho was one of the most amazing Portuguese designers of the XX Century. The armchair Model Prefa for Move´is Olaio is one of the greates...
Category

Vintage 1960s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Cedar

Pair of Easy Chairs, Model Espinho, by José Espinho for Olaio, 1973
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of easy chairs, model Espinho, was designed by José Espinho for Olaio, in Portugal in 1973. The geometrical wood structure has clean and simple lines, where a upholstered w...
Category

Vintage 1970s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Pair of Easy Chairs, by José Espinho for Olaio, 1959
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of Easy chairs was designed by José Espinho for Olaio, in Portugal in 1959. The wood structure was fully restored and in one of the armchairs is solid sucupira wood and the...
Category

Vintage 1950s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Chair, Model "Escandinávia", from José Espinho for Olaio, 1956
By José Espinho 1, Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
This chair, model "Escandinávia", was designed by José Espinho, for Olaio, in Portugal, in 1956. This was one of José Espinho first designs that was stripped both of ornaments and an...
Category

Vintage 1950s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Chestnut

Coffee Table, Model Excelsior, by José Espinho for Olaio, 1962
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This coffee table, model "Excelsior", was designed by José Espinho and produced by Móveis Olaio, in Portugal, in 1962. It has a simple design and the table top makes an elegant curve...
Category

Vintage 1960s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table by José Espinho for Estoril Sol Hotel, Model Export, 1970's
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This exquisite coffee table, designed by José Espinho and produced by Móveis Sousa Braga and Móveis Olaio in Portugal, is a prime example of 1970s Portuguese design. The "Model Expor...
Category

Vintage 1970s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

You May Also Like

Oak Desk by José Espinho, Portugal, 1960s
By José Espinho 1
Located in Paris, FR
Oak desk by José Espinho, Portugal, 1960s.
Category

Vintage 1960s Portuguese Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Midcentury Portuguese Olaio Oak Desk, 1950s
By Olaio
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Rare desk from the Portuguese factory Olaio. Made in 1950 with oak wood. This desk have 3 drawers, one of them is a file. One drawing board. Removable top with space to store the typ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Rare Desk by Carlo Hauner, Móveis Artesanal, 1950s, Brazilian Mid-Century
Located in New York, NY
This desk was designed between 1950 and 1953 and stood out within the production of Hauner and Eisler's Móveis Artesanal. The desk has an iron structu...
Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Plexiglass Desk + Chair by Fabio Lenci for Formes Nouvelles, Italy 1970s
By Fabio Lenci
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 1970s desk and matching chair by Italian designer Fabio Lenci for Formes Nouvelles embodies the forward-thinking ethos of the era. The soft lavender hued plexiglass surface...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Desk and Chair by Russell Wright for Conant Ball
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in Buffalo, NY
Simple ,,smart design..... Conant ball desk and matching spindle chair in maple,,,, Russel Wright for Conant Ball Furniture Makers Mid-Century Modern ...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane, Birch

Set of Daystak Table and Chair - Beech - by Robin Day for &Tradition
By &Tradition, Robin Day
Located in Dubai, AE
Designed in 1951, the Daystak Table exemplifies Robin Day’s meticulous attention to detail and celebration of the material at hand. Showcasing the same striking, A-shaped legs as the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wri...

Materials

Wood, Beech

Recently Viewed

View All