Jasper Morrison

from an edition of eight

Private Collection, United Kingdom
Phillips London June 8, 1999, lot 368
Galerie Ulrich Fiedler, Cologne

Manolo De Giorgi, "Jasper Morrison 1985-1988," Domus, May 1988, p. 79
Jasper Morrison: Designs, Projects and Drawings 1981-1989, London, 1990, p. 25
Jasper Morrison, Everything but the Walls, Baden, Switzerland, 2002, p. 191

Overall very good original condition. The chair is slightly darker in color than it appears in all catalogue illustrations, including the front cover. As seen in the photos, there are minor water stains scattered throughout the chair, most noticeably along the front edge just below the horizontal hinge. The seat itself has three or four faint circular water marks and there is a small concentrated area of water stain on the proper right upper corner of the seat back. On the reverse of the chair, there are additional faint water stains in the corresponding spot to the marking on the front of the chair. There is also a single horizontal tape mark near the top of the back of the backrest. There are minor areas of surface dirt throughout the piece, most noticeably some paint and plaster residue on the inside of the proper right rear leg. And there is a mild scuffing to the cardboard on the front surface of the proper right front leg. Throughout the piece, each hardboard panel consists of two sheets glued together to create a consistent finished surface to both sides. On the top edges of the rear legs there is some minor separation of these sheets, nothing serious. The wingnuts are all intact with several showing minor corrosion. While this piece could theoretically be sat upon, we would recommend it being exhibited as sculpture rather than functional furniture. The chair has a powerful aura and harmonious color and natural patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The "Wing-nut" chair was designed and hand-built by Jasper Morrison while he was studying at the Royal College of Art and was sold at his degree exhibition.  Another example of the chair is in the collection of the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany.