Lot 1095 email save

Set of four Walter Lamb tubular copper armchairs

Designed circa 1942, each with a backswept crestrail above a woven cord back and seat with downcurved arms extending to legs, joined by a stretcher, 4 pcs, 34'' H x 21'' W x 29.5'' D, est:$1500/2500. Note: Little is known about Walter Lamb other than that he was based in Hawaii in the first half of the 20th century, but his work has become increasingly sought-after by today's collectors. In this era of rising gas prices, global warming and reduction of natural resources, many contemporary designers focus on sustainable design by utilizing discarded or waste materials. Either for a desire to salvage and reuse or a simple need for any available materials with which to create, Lamb scavenged bronze and copper piping and cotton cord from sunken naval ships after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He formed from these recovered materials what has become his signature series of outdoor furniture and a paradigm of mid-20th century California design. The unique and wonderful characteristics of these original pieces, aside from their grace and minimalism, are that the metal frames attain a beautiful green patina from outdoor exposure yet leave no marks on cement or wooden surfaces as they age. Lamb worked for the Pasadena firm of Brown Jordan which had purchased the patent for his work circa 1945. They continued to produce his designs, when the supply of harvested ship parts had been depleted, using newly manufactured materials, until the 1970s. Provenance: Property of a Trust, Dana Point, CA.

Condition report

height of seat : 17''; width of seat 19''; depth of seat 16''. With an oxidized and verdigris patina to surface overall. General marks, scratches, rubbing and spotty wear in areas. Cord webbing with typical fading, dirt accumulation and wear, but quite sturdy.