Lot 231
  • 231

CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH | Important Dining Table

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • Charles Rennie Mackintosh
  • Important Dining Table
  • American red walnut, inlaid mother-of-pearl
  • 73 by 183 by 120cm.; 28 3/4 by 72 by 47 1/4 in.
  • Executed circa 1918-1919.
Produced at Knockaloe Camp, Isle of Man

Provenance

Harry F.R. Franklin
Mrs H.F.R. Franklin, Northampton and Radwell

Literature

'Ancient and Modern', Ideal Home, October, 1920, n.p., fig. 6
Roger Billcliffe, Charles Rennie Mackintosh: The Complete Furniture, Drawings & Interior Designs, London, 2009, p.303, fig. 1918.6C, illustrated

Condition

Overall in very good original condition. The wooden surfaces with minor scattered scuffs, scratches and shallow indentations concentrated to the top surface and bases of the legs, consistent with age and gentle use. One mother of pearl inlays with a minor chip, measuring approximately 1.2 cm and not immediately noticeable. A few other mother of pearl inlays with minor tight hairline cracks which are stable and not visually disruptive. One of the leg pins has possibly been replaced. A rare and exceptional example of Mackintosh's later designs.
"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

The present lot is a rare example of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's designs in the later years of his career, displaying the Artist at perhaps his most modern. Produced for Harry Franklin, director of the engineering firm of W.J.Bassett-Lowke in Northampton, this table is a close variant of an oak dining room suite also designed by Mackintosh for Bassett-Lowke’s own country home, Candida Cottage, Roade in 1918-19. Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke, one of Mackintosh’s most important clients at the time, was founder member of the Design and Industries Association, and had a keen interest in modern, progressive design. Bassett-Lowke must have promoted the furniture Mackintosh had designed as two further sets were made, including one for Basset-Lowke's brother F. Jones and the present lot. The original design for this table for Candida Cottage was produced in oak and inlaid with Radolith.