Photo courtesy of Museum Associates / LACMA

Images(12)

Chair

Designerdesigned by Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo (British, 1851 - 1942)

Collections

Arts and Crafts Movement

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1883

Mediummahogany, leather, painted decoration

Dimensions38 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 18 1/2 in. (97.8 x 49.5 x 47 cm.)

DescriptionA rare chair decorated with an elaborate design of interlaced carved bands on the back, which are inspired by marine plants.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased jointly with funds provided by the Frances Crandall Dyke Bequest, the Schweppe Art Acquisitions Fund, MaryLou Boone, Max Palevsky and Jodie Evans, and the Decorative Arts and Design Council

Status

On view

Label TextThis extremely rare piece of furniture was designed by the British architect, artist, and craftsman Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo. When the chair was first seen, its novel design caused a sensation. The elaborately carved back, with its organic, sinuous lines contrasted with British Arts and Crafts design of the period, which typically reflected gothic influence. More importantly, the floral and seaweed-like forms anticipated Art Nouveau by ten years, making this chair as the genesis of the movement.
Mackmurdo was a disciple of William Morris and a founder of the Century Guild, which comprised both artists and entrepreneurs. The guild strived to imbue objects found in the average home with beauty and artistry. This chair, one of five known to exist, was intended for the guild's own dining hall.

Object number2009.16