Lot 132
- 132
An oak and bound rush Orkney chair early 20th century, in the manner of David Munro Kirkness
Estimate
600 - 800 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- oak and rush
- Orkney chair 82cm. high, 54cm. wide, 53cm. deep; 2ft. 8in., 1ft. 9¼in., 1ft. 9in.
with a drop in rush seat together with an oak and rush seat ladder back chair, late 19th century
Condition
The Orkney chair:
A charming chair in overall in reasonable condition. The rush work stable and apparently original. Joints sound and sturdy. Of diminutive size - 82cm high, 54cm wide at arms and 53cm deep. Minor old marks and scratches throughout commensurate with age and use.
Ladder back:
Overall in reasonable condition. Joints sound and sturdy. May have been formerly painted and subsequently stripped The rush seat is stable.
"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."
"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
The diminutive Orkney chair is an iconic piece of Scottish vernacular furniture. Hailing from the largely treeless Northern Scottish Isles, the straw of the indigenous black oats became an important substitute for sawn timber or wicker. The wooden bases of the Orkney chairs evolved in 18th and 19th century, and David Munro Kirkness of Kirkwall (1855-1936) is the name most commonly associated with their revivalist production in the late 19th and early 20th century. The design of the present lot, with its out scrolled arm rests, drop-in woven seat and tapered front legs, would have resonated with the Arts & Crafts movement of the era, and relates closely to the chairs manufactured in Kirkness' workshop.