Ettore Sottsass ‘Harlow’ TPA 240 Dining Table for Poltronova

Few designers have had as profound an influence on post-war Italian design as Ettore Sottsass. Created during his prolific years with Poltronova, the ‘Harlow’ TPA 240 dining table embodies his ongoing dialogue between rationalism and sensuality.

Design
This elongated oval table showcases Sottsass’s sculptural clarity through its bold, minimal silhouette. The lacquered dark blue top is thick, generously rounded and slightly raised at the edges, adding both tactility and weight to the piece. Resting on two substantial cylindrical columns in brushed stainless steel, the table projects an industrial modernity that contrasts elegantly with its softly curved profile. The name ‘Harlow’ suggests a glamour reminiscent of 1930s Hollywood, though the piece is firmly rooted in late 1970s and early 1980s Italian radical design.

At 240 cm in length, the TPA 240 was designed to function as a generous dining or conference table. Its proportions allow for up to eight seats without compromising comfort or visual balance. While the materials are deliberately minimal, their application feels precise and intentional; hallmarks of Sottsass’s approach before founding the Memphis Group.

Condition
The table is in very good vintage condition. Minor signs of wear to the lacquered surface, a small restoration, and some light oxidation to the steel bases are consistent with age. No structural issues have been observed.

The table is stamped underneath the columns. And the table is described in the book 'Sottsass' Poltronova 1958-1974 by Ivan Mietton.