A large pair of Art Deco bronze doors, circa 1930

each panel inset with medallions cast in relief depicting a lion mask, a crab, a representation of St George, a lion and a crown, an oak leaf, a bull, an eagle and flowerheads,

These doors are good quality and heavy (360kg). Sotheby's recommend additional photographs of the doors in our galleries, as the surface is different to how they appear in the catalogue images. The central strip/edging - is loose and has been buckled so will need to be screwed down. One has been drilled (well done) for a small peep-hole. There are no keys. Both exhibit signs of wear, old marks and scratches, primarily from being outside. There are spots of verdigris and other deposits of dirt/accretion. When cleaned these will be very impressive indeed. The slightly smaller door of the pair 71cm. wide.
"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."

Iconic bronze doors from the Renaissance, such as those produced by Ghiberti for the Sacristy in Florence (designed circa 1400) were conceived as symbols of power, wealth and status. These themes were also important to the businesses and national institutions of the 20^th century, reflecting a growth in the power of the modern corporation - the great cathedrals of the 20^th century.  Their buildings, or headquarters, became the perfect way of expounding this confidence in power. There was a keen revival in the use of bronze for architectural fittings by these institutions, often used in the most lavish way, particularly in the first half if the 20^th century on both sides of the Atlantic. The extraordinary doors here may well have come from a Bank, certainly there were commissions for bronze doors from financial institutions during the period that these were made. Perhaps the most famous are the monumental set produced by Sir Charles Wheeler for the Bank of England for their headquarters on Threadneedle street in 1930. Architect or sculptor designed doors were also produced for insurance companies, newspaper headquarters and Masonic halls amongst others. The set offered here features iconography that draws on the themes of ‘olde’ England and commerce in ‘coin’ like tondos. These motifs are similar to those employed by the National Provincial Bank as symbols. The National Provincial was established in 1833 and was merged with the Natwest Bank in 1970. There is a famous set of silvered bronze doors produced for their branch in Coventry which was designed by F.C.R. Palmer in 1929. The massive Art Deco doors on this splendid neo-classical structure also feature some of the devices seen in the offered lot.