The beautifully sculptural set of cane chairs comprising four side chairs and two armchairs each bearing an ivorine plaque inscribed ‘DRYAD, CANE FURNITURE LEICESTER ENGLAND’, and each having Chinese Chippendale influenced cockpen or latticed shaped frames, two with arm supports with each showing a later applied chocolate lacquer paint now worn commensurate with age, the wholes with a superb patination to the wicker surviving from the Edwardian period England.
Unknown.
Bamboo and wicker was the material of preference in Edwardian times. This added to the already delicate and breezy nature of the style and the lines seen in this piece are a real contrast to those seen in the heavier more ornamental high-Victorian style.
By the early 20th century, Leicestershire in England was established as Britain’s rattan weaving region, mainly thanks to Arts and Crafts Movement enthusiast Harry Peach, who founded Dryad Cane Furniture in Leicester in 1907. Peach set up the firm along with Benjamin Fletcher who had just returned from Austria where he had absorbed the influences of Moser, Hoffmann and Behrens for example. The firm employed over 50 workers and moved in 1911 to large new premises in St Nicholas Street, Leicester. The success of Dryad encouraged rivals to imitate its approach and new businesses to set up in competition.
Perfect for the garden, orangery, conservatory or indeed, the kitchen, this set are rare and prove highly decorative.
The chairs have a very good patina to their carcasses and remain in nice original order, standing well, with some expected movement to the joints and some very small losses. Overall they can be used as intended. The painted lacquer finish is mid-century applied so it has a nicely worn in feel.
By appointment only.
