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Art Deco Club Chairs with Wooden Frame Details, South Africa circa 1940s

Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
Like its forerunner Art Nouveau, Art Deco was eclectic and drew on many sources of inspiration. Art Deco’s heyday was between 1925 and 1940, though it arrived later in Africa than in Europe and the United States. It had a tendency to borrow from European historic styles - which lent itself well to South Africa, whose architecture and design focused on geometric shapes and bold colours.

When club chairs first appeared in the late 1920s they were originally referred to as the "fauteuil confortable", or 'comfortable armchair'. They were mainly used in gentlemen’s clubs, thus later earning the name ‘club chair’; nowadays, the most traditional use for the club chair is in the living room. This pair of club chairs beautifully showcase the influence of the Art Deco movement on South African design. As in the case of European Art Deco, an emphasis was placed on bold lines and unusual, geometrically-focused forms. The design of this pair has the classic profile of club chairs, with a wide sitting area and armrests, and a fully upholstered body. Club chairs are also proportioned larger than an average armchair, which allows the elegant upholstered bodies to stand out. The curvature creates an inviting and open look, enhanced by the white and blue striped upholstery that emulates the flowing lines of the chairs' structure. These chairs gracefully rest on large wooden feet, balancing their strong lines and wide proportions perfectly. Like other examples of Art Deco, the bodies of these chairs are more squared, as opposed to the predominantly rounded lines of later mid-century modern designs. This style creates elegant lines with a more structural, architectural look that is inherently stylish. Fulfilling the fundamental design principles of exceptional sitting support, the seats are slightly raised and the backs tilted for utmost comfort. The craftsmanship skill of this pair’s maker was without a doubt of the highest quality, with a great sense of proportions.

Art Deco design was infinitely adaptable, giving free reign to the imagination and celebrating fantasies, fears and desires. Art Deco flourished amid an existing Beaux-Arts classicism and the emerging radical International Modern style.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:
37.0 in W x 40.4 in D x 29.1 in H; Seat height 15.7 in; Seat depth 22 in; Arm height 25.2 in
94 cm W x 102.5 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 56 cm; Arm height 64 cm

Shipping:
These armchairs will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention 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

Origin:	South Africa
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Wood, Fabric
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice.
Creation Date:	ca 1940s
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Art Deco
Dealer Reference #:	20242489
Incollect Reference #:	751135

Dimensions

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