George Washington Maher

Ernest and Grace King, Homer, MN
Thence by descent
Hollander Gallery, Ltd., Milwaukee WI, September 10, 1982, lot 18
Robert Edwards, Bryn Mawr, PA
Phillips New York, June 27, 1987, lot 85

The Art that is Life:  The Arts & Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, March 4-May 31, 1987
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, August 16-November 1, 1987
The Detroit Institute of Arts, December 9, 1987-February 28, 1988
Cooper-Hewitt Museum, New York, April 5-June 26, 1988
The Ideal Home:  The History of Twentieth-Century American Craft 1900, American Craft Museum, New York, October 21, 1993-February 15, 1994

The oak clock case is in very good condition, and appears to retain its original subtly-stained green finish throughout. The oak surfaces with surface scratches, abrasions and edge wear throughout consistent with age and use. There are a few small edge losses to the proper left dental moldings flanking the top of the lower door. There are a few very small areas (each measuring less than 1 inch) on the case which appear to have been sensitively touched up many years ago with infill (one located 4 inches below the proper left clock face hinge; another at the front mid-point of the case 1 inch from the proper left side). The lower regions of the case and base boards with transparent splatter marks and surface soiling. The base boards with slightly heavier surface wear, staining, and edge wear. The case with a few stress fractures throughout, inherent in the natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time. The back is finished and retains the same green stain, and has a 2-inch long abrasion mark in the upper register. The copper and gilt clock face is original and in very good condition, showing light rubbing from friction contact with the clock hands over time. The clock movement and clock works (pendulum, chimes, and weights) have been replaced from a period clock of the same model. The metal surfaces of the clock works with surface scratches, wear and discoloration. With replaced clock hands. With period winding key and two case keys. With what appear to be the original silk backing on the side case doors, which is in very good stable condition. The tallest chime pipe is slightly too long to fit in the present case and would benefit from being slightly reduced to fit comfortably within the case height. Sotheby’s does not guarantee the clock movements. This architectonic clock has great dramatic scale and presence, and is one of Maher’s great masterworks from Rockledge.
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.

In 1912 George Washington Maher designed "Rockledge," a palatial residence near Homer, Minnesota, for E. L. King, a salesman who married into the Watkins pharmaceutical empire.  In 1897, Maher conceived of his original "motif-rhythm" theory, which was fully realized in his designs for "Rockledge."  Landscape, house and interior decoration were unified through systematic repetition and integration of architectural elements, geometric figures and the incorporation of indigenous colors and floral motifs.   The segmental arch was an important unifying device for both the interior and exterior of "Rockledge," and was boldly integrated in the furniture crest rails, the lintels above the fireplace, and in the top of the clock case offered in the present lot.  The same arch device was used on the exterior for the entrance portico, the layout of the terraces and the shape of the swimming pool.  Maher's commission at Rockledge demonstrated the finest craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts movement, in a interior realized through a combination of typical English elements and American conventions.