Wood and Wicker Turned Chairs by Charles Dudouyt, France 1940s
-
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. These chairs were designed by French designer, Charles Dudouyt, who created these carved oak chairs as ‘fireside’ chairs, hence the low seats. 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 pair features large and wonderful decorative finials atop the backs- and armrests. The sphere-shaped finials aren’t the only ornamentations on the design; the shape of the two splats on the back, the carved stretchers and spherical feet are all decorative features that make this pair visually arresting. In later turned chairs, like this pair, rush seats were common, especially from America, and the same goes for Europe, where wicker was a widespread and popular material. Here, the seats are 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.
The details of these turned chairs point to the involvement of a great cabinetmaker. Nowadays, turned furniture are mostly made by automated machinery, therefore handcrafted pieces like this pair are increasingly rare and valuable.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks.
Dimensions:
23.62 in W x 21.06 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 12 in
60 cm W x 53.5 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 30.5 cm
Shipping:
These chairs will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands. -
More Information
Documentation: Documented elsewhere (similar item) Origin: France Period: 1920-1949 Materials: Wood, Wicker Condition: Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks. Creation Date: 1940s Number of Pieces: 2-3 Styles / Movements: Modern, Mid Century, Other Dealer Reference #: 20210696-1 Incollect Reference #: 475617 -
Dimensions
W. 23.62 in; H. 30.91 in; D. 21.06 in; W. 60 cm; H. 78.5 cm; D. 53.5 cm; Seat H. 12.01 in; Seat H. 30.5 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
Sold