Steeling the show

WORDS: Remy Raitt

During a trip to India two years ago, Brian Green and his wife, Lulu Baily, came across a factory filled with iconic cube metal drawers – the first chapter in their Tin Table story.

“We hadn’t seen anything like it in South Africa and instantly wanted to import the furniture to sell here. But, at the time, we couldn’t get the money together,” Brian says.

Little did they know that, 18 months later, they’d open their Tin Table shop at 44 Stanley in Johannesburg, where they sell imported steel furniture and decor pieces. “A year after that visit to India, we went back and decided we had to do it. No one else had fully taken on the concept of metal furniture in South Africa, so we put a collection together.”

Brian, Lulu and their business partner, Gavin McCulla, have since filled the shop with industrial-looking items. “We’ve steered clear of ‘fancy’ metal, going for more utilitarian pieces,” says Brian. Although the shop is filled with objects made from what’s regarded as a cold material, the trio have successfully created warmth in the space.

Metal was a conscious choice for them. “It hasn’t been exploited in the local market. Sure, designers such as Gregor Jenkin are creating new forms with the material. And Joe Paine and Dokter and Misses are making designer items with it. But we’re not selling high-end design objects. Instead, we sell a new genre of decor that’s not high design, but rather good design for less.”

Tin Table’s carefully hand-picked items, ranging from lamps to drawers, have been extremely well received by the Johannesburg community.

“Metal is perfect for Joburg as it’s an almost rust-free environment,” says Brian. Local residents have taken full advantage of this fact. “The response has been absolutely amazing. We sold about 15% of the 44-foot container we brought in within the first month,” he says.

They’ve also just got their hands on steel stamps that will be used to create beautifully embossed tags for their products. Keep an eye out, as Tin Table has grand plans to turn its logo into miniature works of art.

More information: 011 726 7878, tintable@44stanley.co.za