PAUL DUPRÉ-LAFON | Important Desk

leather, parchment, sipo and brass ; with an ink blotter

Private Collection
Tajan, Paris, May 21, 2001, lot 94
Collection Claude and Simone Dray, Paris
Jean-Jacques Dutko, Paris
Private Collection, New York
Private Collection, France

"Inventaire", Art et Décoration, 1946, p. 23
Thierry Couvrat Desvergnes, Paul Dupré-Lafon Décorateur des Millionnaires, Paris, 1990, pp. 182
Bruno Foucart & Jean-Louis Gaillemin, Les Décorateurs des Années 40, Paris, 1998, p. 117
Anne Bony, Meubles et Décors des années 40, Paris, 2002, p. 85

Good overall condition. - The leather to the top of the desk and sides is original and shows some signs of age and use, with some light surface scratches and scuffs to the top, with some rubbing to the leather panel along to edges, most pronounced along the proper left top edge. - The wood presents with some scattered scratches, nicks and chips. There are some white abrasions across the front surface and lower portion of the legs. A few previous nicks/chips/abrasions and hairline cracks have been previously restored. - The parchment fronts and backs of the drawer elements show minor discoloration overall consistent with the natural aging process of the material. The darker discolorations are a result of the glue used to affix the material discoloring the paper. The reverse of the desk with scattered discolorations to the paper as a result of the aging glue. The parchment presents with some tiny dents, tiny hairline tears and a few areas of wear and abrasion, all consistent with age and use. There is a small one inch area of possible restoration to the parchment above the lock to the proper right drawer case. -This piece is also being offered with a blotter dating from the same period of the desk. The back of the blotter is comprised of a dark green leather panel. The edges of the leather panel with rubbing and some scattered losses to the edges. The cushion padding to the underside of the blotter with some staining, likely from use. The leather on the blotter is impressed HERMES PARIS. - The keys are missing (but all drawers are open).
"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."

This lot is sold with a certificate from Mrs Laure Tinel, the artist's granddaughter.