Thursday, October 13, 2011

THIS IS NOW SOLD 1952 RUSSELL SPANNER Catalina Series BUFFET SERVER

THIS IS NOW SOLD Here is a scarcely seen BUFFET SERVER from the Catalina series designed and manufactured by the Russel Spanner company of Toronto in 1952. Considered a pioneering Icon of Canadian modernism in furniture design Russell Spanner pieces are tough to come by. Here we have the BUFFET SERVER that features one upper drawer and two sliding doors revealing a large storage area with adjustable shelves. Of course it also displays the unique overhanging almost cantilevered profile, sitting atop stylishly splayed legs, that the Catalina series is known for. The outer case is done in the “Nutmeg “ finish offered by Spanner, while the Maple sliding doors , and drawer front are done in a natural aged maple finish. If the finish is not to your liking it would not be a very hard job to paint this into something that matches your décor. They key to this piece are it’s very mod. lines. The piece measures 33 inches tall, 3 feet wide and 20 inches deep measured off the wall. The “Ruspan by Spanner” mark is located in the upper drawer. It does have a small veneer chip on the side, and the usual scuffs and wear with a piece of this age, but I would say the overall condition is very nice. Under appreciated for many years, Seduced and Abandoned, Virginia Wright's 1985 exhibition of Canadian furniture at The Art Gallery at Harbourfront brought renewed interest in Russell Spanner designs (and Canadian Modernist furniture in general) and more recently the “A Spanner in the Works , the Furniture of Russell Spanner 1950-1953” exhibit at the Power Plant Gallery in the 1990’s has added to the growing enthusiasm for collecting and appreciating these pieces. Here is your chance to own a scarce piece designed by what many consider to be the Charles Eames / George Nelson of Canada. THIS IS NOW SOLD

NOW SOLD Pair of Westnofa of Norway Teak Arm chairs attributed to INGMAR RELLING

NOW SOLD here is a wonderful matching pair of cantilevered arm chairs done in a rich teak bent wood construction, from the Westnofa Company of Norway. Although I am unsure of who the designer of this pair is, it does have many similar construction techniques as the famous Siesta Chair that was designed by Ingmar Relling and made by Westnofa as well in the mid 1960s. The chairs measure 23 ¼ inches deep measured from the back to the front off the wall, 16 inches seat hight at the knee, 31 inches high at the back, 25 ½ inches high at the arms and 22 ¾ inches wide , each. These are a vintage pair do need some TLC. Structurally they are perfect, however the fabric does have some wear and areas of discoloration. There are no holes or tears, and I imagine that the original fabric could be cleaned and maintained if keeping the chairs as original as possible is a priority. If not these would be excellent candidates for re-upholstery with a new fabric of your choice, to match your current décor. The wood does show the usual honest wear patterns that come with vintage chairs. That being said they have taken on a nice warm patina that is part of the unique character with vintage pieces, and makes them so desirable. Each chair features the Westnofa label.