Pierre Chareau

Grand Hôtel, Tours, France
Christie's London, May 16, 2001, lot 74
Acquired from the above by the present owner

René Chavance, "L'Art Décoratif contemporain au pavillon de Marsan," Art et Décoration, January-June 1923, p. 173
"L'Exposition des Arts Decoratifs, Le Mobilier Français," Art et Décoration, July 1925, p. 13
Gaston Rémon, "Les Créations de Pierre Chareau," Mobilier et Décoration, January 1927, p. 105
E. Tisserand, "Une oeuvre nouvelle de Pierre Chareau ensemblier," L'Art et les Artistes, January 1928, p. 132
René Herbst, Un Inventeur, l'Architecte Pierre Chareau, Paris, 1954, pp. 89, 99
Marc Vellay and Kenneth Frampton, Pierre Chareau: Architecte-Meublier 1883-1950, Paris, 1984, pp. 55, 83, 294, 333 (for related examples)

Overall in very good condition. The patinated metal surfaces present with minor scattered pitting and evidence of oxidation consistent with age and gentle use, visible in the catalogue illustration. The domed metal fasteners have minor surface scratches and discoloration consistent with handling. One of the small stabilizing hooks that secure the alabaster is missing from the metal armature, however this does not affect the stability of the panel. Three of the alabaster panels appear to have been cleaned or replaced in a manner that is consistent with the original. These three panels present with a few surface scratches and one of them has sensitively undertaken a small restoration in the corner. The other panels appear to be original. Two panels with evidence of sensitively undertaken restoration that extends the width of the panel, one of them with a small restoration to one corner. Two of them with discolorations from the proximity with the light bulb, more opaque and whiter and not visually distracting once the panels are installed . The alabaster shows wonderful depth and nuance in the coloration. The alabaster surfaces with surface scratches, minor edge abrasions, and minor surface dirt consistent with age and gentle use concentrated adjacent to the mounts. The ceiling light is electrically stable. An extraordinary and intricate work that exemplifies Chareau's talent for combining metal and alabaster in a sculptural and mobile 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.