Poul Kjærholm 1929-1980

chromium-plated steel, original leather, lacquered wood and rubber

Georg Jensen, Inc., United States, 1959
Collection of Robert L. Bliss, United States

'Poul Kjærholm,' Industrial Design, February, 1960, p. 62 
Christoffer Harlang, Keld Helmer-Petersen and Krestine Kjærholm, eds., Poul Kjærholm, Copenhagen, 1999, pp. 104-105, 177
Michael Sheridan, Poul Kjærholm:  Furniture Architect, exhibition catalogue, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Esberg, Denmark, 2006, pp. 9, 15, 77, 162-163, 187
Michael Sheridan, The Furniture of Poul Kjærholm:  Catalogue Raisonné, New York, 2007, pp. 104-105

Overall good original condition. Both the frame and cushion with a beautiful patina as a result of the aging process. The leather cushion with concentrated crazing, minor losses, cracking and areas of discoloration. One area of discoloration which appears the result of liquid to the midsection of the top surface measuring 6 x 7 inches. Small cracks to the surface of the leather scattered throughout the top. Two scratches to the top which have broken the surface of the leather extending approximately 6 inches. Two cracks to the sidewalls of the cushion, which extend the full height of the cushion and which expose the internal padding. The padding of the cushion with isolated areas of firmness and rigidity as a result of age. The wooden base of the daybed with some surface scratches, wear to edges, chips and dings. With two minor losses, each approximately two inches in length. These are not visible once the cushion is in place. Retains all rubber bands to secure the wooden element to the chromium-plated base.
"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."

An early admirer of Poul Kjærholm, Robert L. Bliss, noted American architect, educator and designer, purchased the present lot as part of a group of Kjærholm-designed furniture in 1959 for his personal collection.  Furniture designed by Bliss is included in the permanent collection of Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and his architectural projects have been included in various museum exhibitions.  While attending Black Mountain College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he studied under such design visionaries as Josef Albers and Alvar Aalto. 

Bliss went on to serve as the Dean of the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City until his retirement from academia in 1986.

This lot is being sold with a copy of the original order request sent to Georg Jensen dated May 6, 1959.