Lot 55
  • 55

Arne Jacobsen

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • Arne Jacobsen
  • Set of Twelve 'Grand Prix' Chairs
  • leather upholstered plywood, beech laminated plywood

Literature

Noritsugu Oda, Danish Chairs, Tokyo, 1996, pp. 58-59
Charlotte & Peter Fiell, eds, scandinavian design, Cologne, 2002, p. 202

Condition

Very good condition overall. The bases of some of the legs with minor discolouration, staining and wear. A chip to the inner front left leg proper, approximately 2 cm high and is not visually distracting. Two of the chairs have uneven legs.The leather has been replaced on all chairs.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Like his Finnish contemporary Alvar Aalto, Jacobsen believed his furniture was part of a complete concept blending architecture and design. Jacobsen, a rationalist architect, created his furniture designs in a simple but aesthetically pleasing and comfortable fashion. His designs were extremely modern yet at the same time, practical. The structure of the ‘Grand Prix’ chair was created using moulded plywood and steam bent legs, technologies popularised by other designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, and before them, Gebrüder Thonet. This allowed for new and more dynamic forms to be produced, hitherto unknown in furniture production.