Unique Pair of Richard Lee 'Bathsheba' Side Chairs in Oak and Hazel UK 1994

Unique Pair of Richard Lee 'Bathsheba' Side Chairs in Oak and Hazel, United Kingdom, 1994.

This is a truly unique pair of English side chairs by cabinetmaker Richard Lee who is a student of renowned furniture maker and artist John Makepeace. A very elegant and sculptural design which is mixing both classical and old English vernacular with post-modernist elements - reminiscing works by Wharton Esherick, George Nakashima, Andrea Branzi and Makepeace himself.

Trained by Makepeace at the famous Hooke Park College, Richard Lee’s work could be categorized in a true arts and crafts context. These pair of chairs was commissioned by a client and designed specifically for them, so these are the only two in existence. Made in 1994, which makes them early pieces by Lee - who now is famous for being a pioneer in constructing traditional shepherd’s huts. Lee called them ‘Bathsheba’ after the wife of Uriah the Hittite in the Hebrew Bible. Bathsheba later became one of the wives of King David and the mother of King Solomon.

The chairs feature a modern yet classical design with a frame in bent hazel and a sculptural seat in carved solid oak. Showing traditional wood joinery and true attention to detail, these side chairs are incredible works of furniture art. That being said, they are also incredibly sturdy and comfortable, which makes them very practical and usable as well - a real testament to the craftsmanship of Richard Lee.

These come directly from their first owners in the UK and remain in a very good condition. They are signed and dated underneath.