Yola Gray Antiques

Description

This is a good quality set of six upholstered Art Deco dining chairs, constructed from walnut, with a “stepped” back design, in the manner of Harry & Lou Epstein Ltd., circa 1935, being sold for restoration.

Summary:
• Item: Six upholstered Art Deco dining chairs
• Circa: 1935
• Provenance: England UK
• In the manner of Harry & Lou Epstein Ltd.
• Quantity: Six
• Wood: Walnut
• “Stepped” back design
• Upholstered back & seat
• Block shape front legs
• Splayed rear legs
• Ideal restoration project

Description:
This is a good quality set of six upholstered Art Deco dining chairs, constructed from walnut, with a “stepped” back design, in the manner of Harry & Lou Epstein Ltd., circa 1935, being sold for restoration. Comprising upholstered backs and seats, these chairs are extremely comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. With a “stepped” top rail and stud-work frame, on walnut block shape front legs and splayed legs to the rear. An ideal restoration project for someone looking to put their own “stamp” on them! Once restored, these six upholstered Art Deco dining chairs would command a high value, as such sets of Art Deco chairs are in high demand.

Provenance – H & L Epstein Ltd.:
Originally founded in the 1890s by Morris Epstein, the Epstein Company would become one of the most recognisable and high-quality producers of Art Deco furniture from the 1930s to the 1950s. The Epstein family were amongst a number of Jewish immigrants from the Baltic States and the Balkans, who then established a cabinet-making community in London’s East End, particularly in the Shoreditch area. Initially, they traded out of furniture outlets in the area, such as Weinbau, Caplan & Percy Young. All of Morris’ six sons carried on in the furniture-making profession, and in 1929, two of his sons – Harry and Lou – established H & L Epstein Furniture Designers and Manufacturers and by the 1930s the company totalled 15 men, with Harry as designer and Lou as cabinetmaker. Harry and Lou, as well as their brothers David, Michael and Sidney, would go on to establish their own shops and showrooms in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin.

Epstein’s furniture was influenced by customers whose tastes echoed the avant-garde styles such as those seen at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts which occurred in Paris in 1925. In particular, they were well-known for cloud-shape designs, featured on lounge and dining suites, and boat-based designs featured on tables and cabinets. They also took a significant number of commissions, producing furniture to customer specifications, using materials such as burr maple, sycamore and walnut veneer, all of which was hand made using traditional cabinetmaking skills.

Earlier furniture, before 1940, while not stamped, can still be recognised due to its style, materials used, and quality of construction. From the 1950s, Epstein furniture started being constructed with ivorine labels, either stamped ‘H & L Epstein Ltd’ or ‘Epstein & Goldman’. Epstein furniture was widely considered as being of very high quality, and consequently their pieces are very sought-after today.

Condition Report:
This is a good quality set of six upholstered Art Deco dining chairs, constructed from walnut, with a “stepped” back design, in the manner of Harry & Lou Epstein Ltd., circa 1935, being sold for restoration. Scratches and knocks to the walnut chair legs. Loose joints to the chair frames, which require tightening. Old use marks and wear to the upholstery – the chair covers, backs and seat fillings need re-upholstering. Please see photos for condition related points. An ideal restoration project for someone looking to put their own “stamp” on them! Once restored, these six upholstered Art Deco dining chairs would command a high value, as such sets of Art Deco chairs are in high demand.

Dimensions:
External Height = 91.5cm
External Width (Seat) = 50cm
External Depth = 47cm
Seat Height (Centre) = 49cm
Seat Width (Seat Front) = 50cm
Seat Depth = 40cm
Back Height = 45cm

Price:
The price for this item is £495.

Shipping
Delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland is £65.

14-Day UK Returns & Refunds:
A 14-day “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. Buyer to return chairs at their own cost. The original delivery fee is non-refundable.