Vladimir Kagan

in collaboration with Victor Medina

Vladimir Kagan, The Complete Kagan: A Lifetime of Avant-Garde Design, New York, 2004, pp. 72-73 (for a similar model)

Overall very good condition. The upholstery with minor signs of wear and use consistent with age. The stainless steel bases are in very good condition with some minor scratches. Each of the chairs on revolving base.
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.

This barrel armchair design was developed early in Kagan's career and was introduced in 1947 on a wooden base.  By substituting to the stainless steel base, Medina altered the look of the chairs to complement the other works in his living room.

 

 

 

For over 40 years, Victor Medina worked alongside Vladimir Kagan and executed his intricately designed organic forms as a craftsman in his studio.  The following twelve lots are from Medina's personal collection and contain many rare variants of forms available through the Kagan studio, as well as some unique modifications undertaken by Medina's own hand.  Each work chronicles this craftsman's career and his close relationship with Vladimir Kagan.

After the war while looking for a job as a craftsman, Medina was referred to the workshops of Illi and Vladimir Kagan.  At this early date, Vladimir and his father were employing a small number of craftsmen to execute both their designs.  Medina began as apprentice to the European trained craftsmen that dominated the studio. Although initially met with resistance from the other established craftsman, Medina proceeded over the next few years to develop the skills of an expert cabinetmaker.  By 1969, Medina was appointed foreman of Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc., and subsequently made plant manager, and would continue in this position until his retirement.  He was a valued member of the studio, and Kagan noted he was "blessed" to have Medina in the workshop. In his position as head craftsman, Medina would oversee decades of private commissions and studio pieces, as well as all three divisions of the workshop; the cabinetmakers, finishers and upholsterers.  Vladimir Kagan and Victor Medina enjoyed a close rapport and Medina continues to work as a consultant to the studio.

The lots offered in this section, where noted, incorporate subtle detailing executed by Medina to suit his specific use.  Created with Kagan designed fabrics, this collection details all the facets of Medina's responsibilities with the Kagan studio and serves as a visual history of his extraordinary career.

Sotheby's would like to thank Vladimir Kagan and Victor Medina for assistance in cataloguing these lots.

Victor Medina has been my right hand for almost 50 years. It was a symbiotic and magical relationship from the day he started working with my father until he took over the running of my woodworking and upholstery atelier. I designed, he crafted into reality. Together we created furniture that has become iconic of 20th century modern designs.

- Vladimir Kagan