John Kapel

Harriet Burket, House & Garden’s Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, New York, 1970, p. 94

Overall very good condition, original finish. With few minor surface nicks and scratches to the wood and surface dirt at joints as expected. The extraordinary leather upholstery has a rich patina, with the seat showing more wear and surface dirt than the back. There are a few minor indentations to the leather on the back of the chair back. The seam along the front of the seat appears to have been sensitively restored, with some cracking to the restored edge evident. The seat itself also has some surface cracks and minor discolorations. The seat joints, where they attach to the base, are loose. The fabric on the underside of the seat is detached on the proper left front, and a screw on the underside of the seat is loose. If intended for extensive use, the chair may benefit from some additional restoration. Overall, a solid and unique handmade piece.
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.

John Kapel is a California designer whose work includes manufactured and custom-designed pieces. Both types of his furniture designs were included in California Design Eight (1962), California Design Nine (1965) and California Design Eleven (1971) at the Pacific Art Center in Pasadena. Kapel studied art and design at Cranbrook Academy and also in Prague. Upon returning to the United States, he worked for George Nelson’s studio where he first saw the work of Sam Maloof and was inspired to move to California and become a woodworker. 

Kapel only made two of this "Custom" lounge chair design: this one he sold to a client; the other he kept for himself and still has today.