- 130
Christopher Dresser
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- A rare 'Boreas' hall stand
- front frieze stamped 'Coalbrookdale', stamped with diamond registration mark and 'No. 239430', stamped twice 'No. 44'
- iron, pine
- 230cm. high overall, table surface 87cm. wide;
- 7ft 6½in., 3ft 2¼in.
cast iron, marble, with a red finish highlighted in colour and gilt, the arched back with coat hooks, pierced with stylised foliage centred by a shield above two panels depicting Boreas and Aquarius, the lower section with a marble inset above a frieze drawer, flanked by side umbrella rails and lower drip trays
Literature
Widar Halén, Christopher Dresser, a Pioneer of Modern Design, London, 2000, p. 75, ill. no. 65 (for a contemporary photograph of this model in the 1870 archives of the Public Records Office, London)
Condition
A rare and fine piece of good overall appearance. Colour is slightly more red than the catalogue illustration suggests. Approx weight is 120 KG. Two hat hooks missing, right hand (facing) L-shaped umbrella rail lacking, as can be seen in the illustration. Lower part of upper structure also stamped 'Coalbrookdale'. Two liners cast 'No. 42-43'. Piece can be dismantled and shipped in two pieces. Drawer with a pine lining. Old marks, scratches and wear to paint finish overall. Original green, red and gold colouring now faded. Irregular areas of the surface with a shiny finish which is currently unexplained but not distracting. It is possible that the detailing colours have been retouched but some time ago. Detailing and crispness of cast to piece is finer than the catalogue illustration suggests. An imposing piece of museum quality, ready for display.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This lot combines the depiction of Boreas seen on the previous lot in conjunction with Aquarius, the water bearer in the zodiac. Given Dressers' precise control of a piece's form and function it seems likely that these decorative elements are a coded allusion to the function of the piece itself, with hats, coats and umbrellas protecting the wearer from both wind and rain.
"Dresser pioneeered the elevation of design and interior decoration to the status of art, which in turn gave rise to the terms art furniture, art pottery and art glass" Widar Halén