ARTHUR HEYGATE MACKMURDO (FOR E. GOODALL & CO.) | Pair of Chairs for the Century Guild

Possibly made for the brewer Henry Boddington, Pownall Hall, Wilmslow

Overall in good condition. The wooden surfaces with scattered rubbing, scuffs, scratches and shallow indentations. The rear lower apron of the frames to both chairs with isolated areas of hairline cracks and lifting. All appear stable and are consistent with age and use. One chair with a horizontal hairline crack measuring approximately 6.5cm near the proper left backrest join and seat. The same chair with a scuff to the proper left front leg, measuring approximately 3.5cm, and a hairline crack to the proper right finial which appears stable. The castors appear to be original and their mounts are loose throughout. The upholstery is newer and in very good condtion.
"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."

The following two lots are exceptional early British precursors to the Art Nouveau style popularised on the Continent at the turn of the 20th century. A. H. Mackmurdo alongside Herbert Horne, Selwyn Image and others founded the Century Guild in 1882. Although their output was quite small, their visionary designs shown at many exhibitions had great impact. Goodall and Co., Wilkinson's and Collinson and Lock made most of the Guild furniture, always executed to the highest standards. This pair of chairs and table are typical of the Guild/Goodall output at this time and are closely related to the furniture Mackmurdo designed for the brewer Henry Boddington, at Pownall Hall, Wilmslow in 1886. The Guild was disbanded in 1888. Sotheby's would like to thank Stuart Evans for his assistance with the cataloguing of these lots which will appear in his forthcoming publication on A.H. Mackmurdo.