Lot 151
  • 151

Probably England

Estimate
800 - 1,200 GBP
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Description

  • The Notley Sofa-Daybed
  • buttoned and now upholstered gold velvet
  • approximately 240cm. wide., 94½in.
  • Made circa 1945.
of large and unusually shaped form, on castors

Literature

Notley Abbey Inventory, April 1948, p. 4, lounge, 'A shaped back and concave front stuffed over settee covered in biscuit colour floral pattern tapestry buttoned 7'6" wide'. (The Vivien Leigh Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, THM/433/6/1);
Photographed at Notley Abbey in the Library circa 1959.

Condition

Generally very good. With rubbing and wear to velvet. Possibly recovered post-1967. One castor detached. Some buttons and velvet panels loose. This is being sold only as a decorative object and will need to be recovered and checked to make sure this piece is compliant with health and safety regulations.
"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

This extraordinary sofa must have been a favourite of Vivien's as it moved from Notley to Tickerage and appears in photographs of both of her country houses. The large proportions and curved sides making it an ideal day bed as well as an ample sofa.

Although the maker is unknown, the original shape and buttoned upholstery of the present sofa can be compared with examples by Maison Jansen, see J. Archer Abbott, Jansen Furniture, New York, 2007, p. 332.