Object Description
A truly stunning antique Art Deco burr walnut dining suite attributed to the world renowned cabinet makers, Harry & Lou Epstein, comprising a dining table and the original matching set of eight cloud back dining chairs, circa 1920 in date.
The rectangular shaped table has a stunning burr walnut figured top with rounded corners and stands on a decorative U-shaped base. The set of eight chairs are the highly desirable cloud back model and comprises two armchairs and six side chairs, all with curved backs that show the figured grain of the burr walnut beautifully and they have all been reupholstered in a sumptuous cream leather with cream leather piping..
This set is a fabulous and rare example of the Art Deco period and will enhance any room in which it is placed.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished waxed and the chairs reupholstered in cream leather, in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 77 cm x Width 185 cm x Depth 85 cm – Table
Height 85 cm x Width 60 cm x Depth 55 cm – Armchair
Height 84 cm x Width 52 cm x Depth 55 cm – Side Chair
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 6 feet, 1 inch x Depth 2 foot, 9 inches – Table
Height 2 foot, 9 inches x Width 2 feet x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches – Armchair
Height 2 foot, 9 inches x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches – Side Chair
Epstein furniture
was originally founded in East London by Polish immigrants in the 1890s. The firm passed to brothers Harry and Lou Epstein and the pair turned their attention to the production of Art Deco forms from the 1930s until the 1950s.
Finished to high standards, most pieces were custom-made in veneers of burr maple, sycamore or walnut. The design of the famous ‘cloud’ seat furniture is credited to Epstein and the company also popularized the uniquely British taste in suite furniture.
Following World War II, Epstein had showrooms in London, Manchester and Glasgow. A conservative Art Deco style became the company`s trademark after the war and most pieces were made from bleached walnut. Art Deco pieces are not signed.
From the 1960s, some pieces were labelled ‘H. & L. Epstein’ or ‘Epstein & Goldman’.
Art Deco or Deco,
is an influential visual arts design style which first appeared in France during the 1920s, flourished internationally during the 30s and 40s.
It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Ageimagery and materials. The style is often characterized by rich colours, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.
Deco emerged from the Interwar period when rapid industrialization was transforming culture. One of its major attributes is an embrace of technology. This distinguishes Deco from the organic motifs favored by its predecessor Art Nouveau.
Historian Bevis Hillier defined Art Deco as “an assertively modern style…[that] ran to symmetry rather than asymmetry, and to the rectilinear rather than the curvilinear; it responded to the demands of the machine and of new material…[and] the requirements of mass production”.
During its heyday Art Deco represented luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress.
Our reference: A3606