James Irvine bar table 'Tavola Bar' for Metals Group, 1980s

The Tavola Bar bar table by James Irvine for Metals Group (Milano) is a rare and characterful design object from the 1980s that perfectly embodies the experimental spirit of that period.

What immediately sets this piece apart is its sculptural presence: the base is composed of stacked, deep-drawn aluminium conical shapes, finished with a satin-polished nickel-steel base – a combination of materials that exudes strength and finesse at the same time.

Designed at a time when designers were playing with form, proportion, and materials, the Tavola Bar is more than just a functional table: it's a postmodern art object with architectural allure . The geometric base creates rhythm and visual tension, while the finish emphasizes the tactility of metal.

The table symbolizes the experimental design philosophy of James Irvine, a designer who grew up in London and later worked in Italy, and whose portfolio includes well-known names such as Artemide, B&B Italia, and Muji. His work is characterized by a clear, rational approach to form combined with a subtly playful sense of detail.

Because the Tavola Bar was not mass-produced and only appears sporadically on the vintage market, it is considered a collector's item for lovers of late 20th-century international design.