A coffee table story

The professor has informed me that our living room has too many rectangles in it. I suppose that means that I should tell you about our (rectangular) coffee table before he starts shuffling things around on me. Have I mentioned that I'm often resistant to change?!

When the professor was in graduate school his academic department was throwing away some great classic modern furniture. (I've written about how universities usually have detailed specifications in place for how to dispose of old furniture through the surplus property department. In this case, that process was not being followed -- it seems the dumpster in back of the building was more efficient!) One of the items being tossed was a padded aluminum and steel bench. The professor asked the head of his department if he could have it and she told him to take it.

The problem, the cushions on the bench were in terrible condition. The foam was deteriorating and the upholstery was filthy and stained, however, the steel and aluminum frame looked great. The professor removed the cushions and put them in his car intending to get a quote for having new ones made but his car was stolen and not recovered. He was left with a useless metal bench frame and no template or pattern for making new cushions. Refusing to give up hope he stored the frame.


As we were preparing to get married we realized that we would need a coffee table for our first home. The professor dragged out the metal bench frame and had a piece of glass cut to fit it. We've used it as a coffee table in our living room ever since.

Things may be changing soon, which is probably just as well considering that in the past Boo has fallen off the sofa and cracked the glass with his head, and, just a few days ago we found Tukes on top of the glass on all fours peering down to the floor underneath. The professor has an idea (he always has an idea!) for modifying a round table that is stored in the attic so that we'll have a "new" coffee table. When that happens I'm sure this one will go back into storage; he still hasn't given up the hope that one day we'll have new cushions for it.

Hannah Morrison Bench, 1973
Constructed of cast aluminum and steel.
Designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison.
Manufactured by Knoll International, New York.