SIR TERENCE CONRAN (FOR CONRAN FURNITURE) | Early and Rare 'S.1' Cabinet

London, Design Museum, Terence Conran: The Way We Live Now, 16 November 2011 - 4 March 2012

House & Garden, February 1953, p.39 for a similar example
‘Live Better For Less’, House & Garden, May 1953, n.p. for the model in a different colour combination

Overall in very good original condition. The surfaces with minor scattered scuffs, scratches and nicks throughout, consistent with age and gentle use. The metal frame with minor oxidation. The painted doors with minor fine craqueleure and isolated chips, concentrated to the upper proper right door, partially visible in the catalogue illustration and not visually disruptive. A very rare and important work by this iconic designer.
"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."

This extremely rare and important ‘S.1’cabinet is from the first group of commercially available furniture designed by the then twenty year old Terence Conran. Pieces such as this cabinet, although available in the first ‘Conran Furniture’ catalogue, were exclusively made to order and very few are known to exist. Designed in 1952, Conran personally made this first range of furniture with the assistance of Eric O’Leary, a former bronze founder who had previously worked for the sculptor Henry Moore. At that time Conran and O’Leary worked together from a basement workshop rented from the Ballet Rambert in the Notting Hill area of London.

Conran learnt the skill of metal wielding while at his public school, Bryanston. Between 1950 and 1951, he shared a workshop in a railway arch in the Bethnal Green area of London with his close personal friend, former teacher and mentor, the sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi. While there Conran importantly taught Paolozzi the process of metal welding.

- Richard Chamberlain and Geoffrey Rayner