Glue Question: Can This Gehry Icing Table Be Saved?  

Yes, of course it can be repaired.
Though, the original design and construction are inherently flawed in that they rely on cross-grain glue joints that are almost guaranteed to eventually fail.
And, yes, there are specialized, more elastic adhesives that will create a longer-lasting if not permanent bond.
It's hard to believe that any experienced furniture restorer wouldn't want to take this on, but you could also try boatyards that specialize in wooden boat restoration. Those guys are often up on the latest techniques and deal with bent wood joinery every day.

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I'd be inclined to just shim it. Then the weight of the glass'd do the work, wouldn't it?
a shim is admittedly perhaps not the most delicate of solutions, but hey-

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They probably just didn't want to be bothered with it.
Am I missing something or isn't this just as simple as scraping the old glue off and using a bit of pva and hand spring clamps? Some blocks and proper clamps if you want. Thats all I'd do.

thanks,
Tktoo, objectworship, and Heath.
The restorer was Hume Modern, and they said (this was back in 08) that they'd do the job, but that it would be very expensive and that the fix wouldn't last. But now I'm encouraged by these responses (including the explanation about cross-grain joints, which makes so much sense) and will try again with better glue, and hope for more years with this table.

Kate, as Heath suggests,
it's a straightforward repair that any careful handyman could easily tackle.
As Heath also advises, thorough removal of the old glue residue is absolutely necessary prior to re-gluing and, really, run-of-the-mill Titebond II or III should work just fine. Just make sure it's fresh and that clamping pressure isn't so much as to squeeze out all the glue!
Finally, Alfie's a great resource, but, again, Heath's right that he'd probably need to charge you more than the repair is worth to you.

just got the name
of a carpenter/handyman with a good reputation (we've got several overdue projects around here). I'll post results when I get them, and thanks again.