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Small Wood and Wicker Turned Chair by Charles Dudouyt, France 1940s

Creator: Charles Dudouyt
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
Turned chairs — sometimes called thrown chairs or spindle chairs — represent a style of Elizabethan or Jacobean turned furniture that had a vogue in late 16th and early 17th century England, New England and Holland. The technique was carried on to the 20th century and was widespread in Europe as well, where craftsmen created durable pieces for various interiors and purposes.

In turned furniture, the individual wooden spindles of the piece were made by shaping them with chisels and gouges while they were being spun, or turned between the center points of a lathe. The workers subcontracted to the joiners, or carpenters, who made such furniture, and were called "turners", or "bodgers", hence the surname Turner. This small chair was designed by French designer, Charles Dudouyt, who later created a full-scale version of this model. He crafted wooden furniture in strong Art Deco forms, using playful geometries and construction methods more in keeping with the robust Arts and Crafts Movement. This chair features large and wonderful decorative finials atop the back. The sphere-shaped finials aren’t the only ornamentations on the design; the shape of the two splats on the back, and the carved stretchers are all decorative features that make this model visually arresting. In later turned chairs, like this one, rush seats were common, especially from America, and the same goes for Europe, where wicker was a widespread and popular material. Here, the seat is made of durable woven twisted cord, with a light colour that beautifully contrasts to the dark wood of the structure. The legs are joined by box stretchers, enhancing the square-shape of the design. The partnership of the two natural materials is very effective as well; the wood and wicker pair flawlessly to showcase the skill of the maker.

This chair may have been a small-scale version of a masterpiece, an apprentice piece, or show piece. Surviving finer pieces of small-scale furniture, such as this chair, point to a craftsman showing skills for examination and approval. As observed in this chair, the fine wickerwork and the flawless woodworking could have served as a visual resume of its clever maker, or created as a display sample. Nowadays, turned furniture are mostly made by automated machinery, therefore handcrafted pieces like this chair are increasingly rare and valuable. Similarly, small-scale furniture pieces have become sought-after works again in the 21st century. Small-scale furniture and the purposes of its use have fascinated collectors both in Europe and America.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks.

Dimensions:
18.11 in W x 14.96 in D x 22.63 in H; Seat height 10.23 in
46 cm W x 38 cm D x 57.5 cm H; Seat height 26 cm

Shipping:
This small chair will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the items in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	France
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Wood
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks.
Creation Date:	1940s
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Collectible Design, Mid Century
Dealer Reference #:	20210696-2
Incollect Reference #:	485189

Dimensions

W.	18.11 in;	H.	22.64 in;	D.	14.96 in;
W.	46 cm;	H.	57.5 cm;	D.	38 cm;

Seat H.	10.24 in;
Seat H.	26 cm;

Message from Seller:

Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great

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