Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter

Woodenworks: Furniture Objects by Five Contemporary Craftsmen, exh. cat., Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C., 1972, p. 33
Edward S. Cooke, Jr., Gerald W.R. Ward, and Kelly H. L’Ecuyer, The Maker’s Hand: American Studio Furniture 1940-1990, Boston, 2003, p. 45 (for a Wishbone Chair in the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery)
Michael A. Stone, Contemporary American Woodworkers, Layton, UT, 1986, p. 84

Overall excellent condition, original finish. With minimal small scratches to the wood finish and some surface dirt at joints as expected. Leather webbing has a rich patina with a few water stains, scratches and what appear to be tiny paint flecks. There has been careful professional restoration to the proper right front leg. All joints are strong and the chair is exceptionally sturdy. Overall, a superb example of Espenet's most iconic design.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter was a leader in the California Design movement who served as a bridge between the different styles of the craftsmen of the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Espenet was inspired to move to California and become a woodworker after seeing a 1947 MoMA design exhibition. Soon thereafter he had come full circle: his works were included in the MoMA Good Design exhibition series from 1950 to 1954, as well as the California Design exhibition series at the Pacific Art Center in Pasedena in 1962, 1965 and 1971.

Espenet’s "Wishbone" Chair was introduced in 1965 and he considered it his most successful design, stating that it “comes the closest to satisfying my standards of function, durability, simplicity, sensuality and practicality of construction.” The techniques utilized in the chair’s design and construction exemplify Espenet’s work and came to be known as the “California roundover” style. While other iconic chairs from this period show the influence of Scandanavian and Asian design as would be expected, the "Wishbone" Chair is an example of pure American design that embodies the prevailing California spirit of that age. 

Espenet passed away in 2006.