- 587
Leon Underwood, 1890-1978
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Armchair
- signed and dated Leon U. 37
- Italian walnut, with embroidered woollen fabric drop-in seat
- 75 by 57 by 45cm., 29 1/2 by 22 1/2 by 17 3/4 in.
- Executed in 1937.
the back carved with a man and his dog, the arms carved as deers
Provenance
Kay Murphy
Sotheby's, London, 7 November 1990, lot 111
Sotheby's, London, 7 November 1990, lot 111
Literature
Christopher Neve, Leon Underwood, London, 1974, pp.174-175, pl.129
Condition
Generally sound and in original condition, with numerous knocks, scratches and marks commensurate with age, notably to the base of the legs. Joints opening slightly. A crack where proper left arm joints back. Wear and staining to original seat cover, particularly to front edge, just visible in catalogue illustration.
This chair has a charming handcrafted look and feel with elements in the construction which we believe to be intentional but are not particularly woodmaking standard .
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
In 1937-1938, a period dominated by the Design and Industries Association and mass production, Leon Underwood's instinctive preference for the handmade led him to think briefly about furniture. The present lot combines the basic requirements of a chair's function with the aesthetic principles of a piece of sculpture, Underwood's intention being to show the dangers of the Bauhaus notion that function was a unique principle of beauty.
The structure is inspired by a standing animal motif from Egyptian tomb furniture and the carved figure of a hunter is similar to a Seravezza marble relief carved in 1921-1922. Leon Underwood constructed a loom to weave the seat. The whole project was extremely laborious and time consuming. There was a tentative commission for six more chairs of the same type but Underwod never made another, though he did make a small bone-inlaid table.
The structure is inspired by a standing animal motif from Egyptian tomb furniture and the carved figure of a hunter is similar to a Seravezza marble relief carved in 1921-1922. Leon Underwood constructed a loom to weave the seat. The whole project was extremely laborious and time consuming. There was a tentative commission for six more chairs of the same type but Underwod never made another, though he did make a small bone-inlaid table.