ATTRIBUTED TO SIR EDWIN LUTYENS (1869-1944)
SET OF TEN ARMCHAIRS, CIRCA 1905
£9,450
Auction: Day One | Lots 1 to 252 | Wednesday 16th April from 10am
Description
ebonised birch, with horsehair-upholstery, one chair stamped to underside A.M (10)
Provenance
Provenance: Commissioned for the Boardroom of Country Life magazine, circa 1905
Property of Future PLC, removed from the offices of Country Life magazine
Roseberys, Traditional Home, 18th August 2022, lot 1
Private collection
Literature:
See drawing No. 73, E. L. Lutyens, 17 Queen Anne's Gate, S. W.1 May 1931, for a similar chair design
V&A Accession no W.6-1944
Footnote
Illustrated in a 1931 design, these armchairs were originally part of a set of 21 and installed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the Board Room of Country Life magazine headquarters. He also designed the building, at Tavistock Street, Covent Garden in 1905. The design of the back references shield-shaped chair back designs by the 18th century cabinet-maker George Heppelwhite. Lutyens’ furniture is noted for its eclecticism and draws inspiration from historical styles, adapting and subtly altering proportions and details to suit his own vision. The chairs in the current lot retain their original horsehair upholstery and ebonised finish.
The editor of Country Life, Edward Hudson was a champion and patron of Lutyens. In 1901, Hudson acquired Lindisfarne castle and commissioned Lutyens to transform it into a private residence, he designed and built Hudson's home in Berkshire, Deanery Garden, between 1897 and 1902, before taking the commission for the Country Life headquarters.