A pair of rare Club Armchairs by William Latchford & Son/s. 'Ship Furnishers' c,1930s Melbourne Australia
A pair of rare Club Armchairs by William Latchford & Son/s. 'Ship Furnishers'. A piece of Melbourne's shipping history.
Early examples in original condition. Green studded leather, curved Victoria Ash armchairs and legs.
Dimensions-
820 h x 620 w x 700 d mm
450 seat h mm
Design/ origin-
It has been hard to date these chairs, given the style, materials and fixing used it could possibly be around c,1920-1940s. It is the first time I have seen/found William Latchford & Son, using the title 'Ship Furnishers'. There is not much written reference regarding this. With this label and provenance with reference to connection on ships, it makes these early Latchford examples rather exciting and rare.
The label states which ship and which cabin. Unfortunately these areas have been left blank.
In the 'Camberwell Conversation Study' of 1991 (heritage.VIC.gov), there is mention to the Latchford family purchasing a Robin Boyd house (in c,1953), and continuing to explain that the company 'William Latchford & sons' were established in 1918.
The manufactures William Lathford & Sons, later on in 1953 produced under license many of the World's popular and contemporary furniture designs. They brought to Australia the Barcelona Chair (Knoll, USA), designs of Eero Saarinen (Knoll, USA) and more commonly known for the Danish designs of Jens Risom. To name a few.
Condition-
Overall condition is consistent with age. Defects have been photographed. Chairs are in original condition. Leather has been conditioned recently and timber cleaned and oiled. Pictures show condition well. Leather is cracking on the sides, front and seat upholstery. With a few holes in places. However chairs are in very useable condition, having been just re-sprung with new backing cloth. Please note the label was taken off the old and re-applied.
There is an old chip in the wood on the inside arm, not pictured. There are also the usual knock/ bumps and scratches as expected from antique furniture.
