CHARLES ROBERT ASHBEE (FOR THE GUILD OF HANDICRAFTS) | A Fine Art Society Chair

with a roundel decorated with a pomegranate motif in silvered-gesso relief

Probably acquired directly from The Guild of Handicrafts by The Fine Art Society

London, The Fine Art Society with Haslam & Whiteway Ltd., Architect-Designers from Pugin to Mackintosh, 1981, no. 48
London, The Fine Art Society, British Design, 2016-17, no.23

Generally in very good order. Some minor old mark and scratches from age and gallery use. Some filled gesso at an old age split to the back. Ready to place. 40 x 17¾ x 16¾in (101.5 x 45 x 42.5cm)
"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."

Charles Ashbee was a disciple of William Morris’s doctrine which dictated that design should reflect form through the materials employed, exalt true craftsmanship and reference historic styles. Ashbee trained as an architect and was articled to George Frederick Bodley (1827–1907). Bodley was known for his Gothic Revival buildings and became acquainted with William Morris, whose firm, Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., he commissioned to produce stained glass and other elements for ecclesiastical interiors. Ashbee was to meet Morris in the January of 1886, a momentous moment in the young designers life. He referred to Morris as ‘The Poet’ in his dairy¹. Ashbee went on to found the Guild and School of Handicraft which was opened in 1888, he wrote of it, 'Perhaps the most useful work I put my hand [to]'². The Guild's primary pre-occupation was to promote those Ruskinian principles outlined above, particularly the ideals of true craftsmanship that so appealed to Ashbee. It was to be a centre of learning and where those working became teachers to students of woodwork, metalwork and decorative painting.

What is particularly interesting about the present lot is awareness by The Fine Art Society of the Guild's work at the time and a willingness, through the acquisition of this chair, to support the Guild's activities.

This chair is constructed in the most English of materials, oak. The form it takes relates closely to historic models and the 17^th century ‘back-stool’, a development of the simple 'joined' stool. Both of these references would have been deliberate on the part of the Guild's craftsman.

<sup>1. B. G. Burroughs, 'Three Disciples of William Morris; Charles Robert Ashbee', The Connoisseur, vol. 172, p. 85
2. B. G. Burroughs, op. cit., p.87</sup>