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April 14, 2024. Tilman Gecks, a master craftsman trained in the renowned German Guild System
has unveiled the 1920 Railway Table, a collection of exquisite and versatile dining and conference tables handcrafted in theUnited States. Inspired by the historic German National Railway tables of the late Wilhelmian Era, the 1920Railway Table is a unique fusion of history and modern design. Each table is meticulously crafted from seedling
to sealing by Gecks himself, ensuring the utmost quality and detail.Gecks honed his skills in the Hamburg Joiner’s Guild, one of the world’s most rigorous training programs. Hebrings his expertise in joinery, cabinetmaking, woodworking, and carpentry to create these heirloom-qualitypieces of German Craftsmanship with American Spirit. “My passion for Appalachian hardwoods and the welcoming
community in Northeast Tennessee, particularly the ETSU- NETVRIDA Soft Landings program, made this the
perfect place to establish my workshop and company,” says Gecks, “and I appreciate that Tennessee is a business-friendly state.”The 1920 Railway Table seamlessly blends the beauty of hand-crafted Appalachian hardwood with the coolelegance of cast iron legs. This unique combination results in a modern piece imbued with the timelesscharacter of an antique.Customers can personalize their table by selecting from a variety of Appalachian hardwoods and reclaimedlumber options. The result is a practical and versatile table that serves not only as a functional centerpiece butalso as a work of art and a piece of family history. -
“Tilman Gecks’ exquisite 1920 Railway Tables are a valuable addition to our region,” says Audrey Depelteau,director of the ETSU Innovation Lab. “We are proud to have him as part of our International Soft Landingsnetwork, a collaboration with the Northeast Tennessee Valley Regional Industrial Development Association.”Tilman Gecks is a master craftsman specializing in creating heirloom-quality furniture. He combines traditionalGerman techniques with high-quality American materials to create unique and lasting pieces. The 1920 RailwayTable collection celebrates history and craftsmanship while offering a modern aesthetic.For more information on 1920 Railway Table visit https://1920railwaytable.com/For more information about the ETSU Innovation Lab or the Research Corporation, visithttps://www.etsu.edu/ilab/ and https://etsuresearchcorporation.org/or contact Dr. Audrey Depelteauat 423-439-8535 or depelteau@etsu.edu