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

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.