Details

Provenance

Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, 26 April 2017, lot 560

Literature

Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art , 1949, p. VIII for an advertisement of a chair from this series 'Austerity to Affluence: British Art & Design 1945-1962', The Fine Art Society, London, 1997, p. 14 and p. 22, cat. no. F27 for an example of the chair from this series Philip Long, Jane Thomas, eds, Basil Spence: Architect , exh. cat. National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, 2008, p. 52 and p. 54, fig. 55, illustrated Condition Overall in very good condition. The wooden surfaces with minor scattered scuffs, scratches and shallow indentations concentrated to the top surface. The top surface with a slightly deeper scuff which measures approximately 22cm and minor scattered areas of flaking to the transparent finish. A rare, innovative complex mid century design. "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 Between 1947 and 1948 Morris commissioned Sir Basil Spence to design a suite of dining-room furniture. The suite, the Allegro, was made in a refined organic style from a special lightweight plywood originally developed during the war for use in aircraft construction. Due to the complexity of construction, which consisted of over 100 layers of wood, furniture from this series was extremely expensive. Costing £31 18s 3d, at a time when the average British annual income was just £101 in 1950, production was greatly limited. An example of the armchair from this series is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Catalog summary

Basil Spence 'Allegro' Dining table with applied metal producer's roundel MORRIS MADE/GUARANTEED TRADE MARK/ GLASGOW laminated wood 74 by 165 by 87 cm.; 29 1/8 by 65 by 34 1/4 in. Designed 1947-1948. Provenance Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, 26 April 2017, lot 560 Literature Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art , 1949, p. VIII for an advertisement of a chair from this series 'Austerity to Affluence: British Art & Design 1945-1962', The Fine Art Society, London, 1997, p. 14 and p. 22, cat. no. F27 for an example of the chair from this series Philip Long, Jane Thomas, eds, Basil Spence: Architect , exh. cat. National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, 2008, p. 52 and p. 54, fig. 55, illustrated Condition Overall in very good condition. The wooden surfaces with minor scattered scuffs, scratches and shallow indentations concentrated to the top surface. The top surface with a slightly deeper scuff which measures approximately 22cm and minor scattered areas of flaking to the transparent finish. A rare, innovative complex mid century design. "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 Between 1947 and 1948 Morris commissioned Sir Basil Spence to design a suite of dining-room furniture. The suite, the Allegro, was made in a refined organic style from a special lightweight plywood originally developed during the war for use in aircraft construction. Due to the complexity of construction, which consisted of over 100 layers of wood, furniture from this series was extremely expensive. Costing £31 18s 3d, at a time when the average British annual income was just £101 in 1950, production was greatly limited. An example of the armchair from this series is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.