Lot 112
JOHN MOYR SMITH (1839-1912)
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT GREEK REVIVAL OAK CHAIR, CIRCA 1880
Paul Reeves: An Eye for Design feat. Textiles as Art II | 548
Auction: 14 February 2019 at 11:00 GMT
Description
the original embossed silk velvet upholstery with pressed line and serrated design, enclosed by a frame, with carved and incised serrated line decoration, above gothic arched apron and bracket legs terminating in hipped feet with castors
Dimensions
46.5cm wide, 87.5cm high, 59.5cm deep
Footnote
Provenance: Supplied as part of a suite to the Earl of Iveagh
Literature: Stapleton, Annamarie 'John Moyr Smith 1839-1912: A Victorian Designer', Richard Dennis 2006, pp.28-9, fig. 36 where this example is illustrated.
Note: A prolific tile designer of the Victorian era, John Moyr Smith produced at least 18 pictorial tile series for the Minton companies as well as designs for Burmantofts and W.B. Simpson. He was also well known for his work as an illustrator, interior decorator and designer of furniture. This very rare chair was designed by Moyr Smith in the late 1860's. Tantalisingly, the front leg appears in an illustration for piano by Moyr Smith which was published in Building News of 1869. The design in the Greek Revival style shows the influences of Bruce Talbert and Christopher Dresser. Indeed, it is thought that Moyr Smith designed this chair whilst working in Dresser's studio and follows the form of furniture that Dresser illustrated in the Furniture Gazette (see lot 104). It is likely that this chair was made by either Cox & Son or Collinson & Lock. The chair bears label under seat rail MILLAR & BEATTY LTD/ HOME FURNISHERS/ GRAFTON STREET/ DUBLIN.