GUSTAVE SERRURIER-BOVY | Silex armchair, circa 1905

poplar and painted iron

Monsantic, Maisières, December 4, 2005, lot 237
Private collection, Belgium

For related Silex armchairs with four-plank backs :
Jacques-Grégoire Watelet, L'oeuvre d'une vie, Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Architecte et décorateur liégois, 1858-1910, Alleur-Liège, 2001, p. 180
Françoise Bigot du Mesnil du Buisson and Etienne du Mesnil du Buisson, Serrurier-Bovy, un créateur précurseur, 1858-1910, Paris, 2008, pp. 8 and 169

Good condition overall. The wood presents with some scratches and some scattered minute dents, very minute chips and scattered previous woodworms holes. The corner of one of the wooden element of the back rest presents with a chip of approximately 1,5 cm. There are a few small cracks, consistent with the aging of the wood. Some screws and plates are not original and some of the paint has been partially re-finished at a later date. The three wooden elements of the backrest appear to be in slightly better condition that the rest of the armchair.
"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."

Conceived in 1904 for the château de la Cheyrelle, the Silex series was manufactured from 1905. While being a stylistic innovation for Serrurier-Bovy, this model also epitomizes his avant-gardism. Determined to find solutions adapted to his times, the whole structure lies on simple screws.