SERGE CHERMAYEFF (Grozny, Chechnya, 1900-Wellfleet, Massachusetts, 1996) for Practical Equipement Limited (PEL). Dining or coffee table, ca. 1930. Tubular steel and black lacquered wood. Slight stains and damage due to use and age. Measurements: 183 x 92 cm. This Art Deco table is elevated on two black lacquered wooden legs that support two "U" shaped structures, which act as legs. Each of these structures has three steel tubes and they communicate with each other by means of a central frame, also with triple tubes. The tabletop, which is completely separable, is made of black lacquered wood. Serge Chermayeff was a Russian architect and designer who was naturalized British and later American. His work is framed in architectural rationalism. He began his professional career as an interior decorator. With the sponsorship of the furniture company Waring & Gillow, he founded the Modern Art Studio in 1928, in association with Paul Follot. The following year he organized in London the exhibition Modern Art in French and English Furniture and Decoration, in which he showed the public the rational component of Art Deco. In 1940 he emigrated to the United States, where he associated with Clarence Mayhew for a short period of time. From then on he devoted himself mainly to teaching: he was director of the art section of Brooklyn College in New York; in 1946 he succeeded László Moholy-Nagy at the head of the Chicago Institute of Design, part of the Illinois Institute of Technology; between 1951 and 1953 he taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; later he taught at Harvard University (1953-1962) and Yale University (1962-1971). In 1963 he published with Christopher Alexander the essay Community and Privacy, in which they attempt to describe in a scientific way the structure of an urban organism. In 1971, together with Alexander Tzonis, he published Shape of Community, in which he sets out his theses on the defense of the environment on a global scale.
Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) Untitled signed and dated 'Chermayeff 65' (lower left); further signed, inscribed and dedicated to the reverse oil and collage 27 x 19.5cm
Serge Chermayeff (Russian / British 1900-1996) Pair of 'Plan' Chairs, designed 1933 laminated beech plywood and upholstery (77cm (30 1/4in) high, 66cm (26in) wide, 75cm (29 1/2in) deep) Qty: (2) Provenance Acquired by Leslie Martin and Sadie Speight in the late 1930s and thence by descent to the current owner. The architect Leslie Martin (1908-2000) and his wife, the designer Sadie Speight (1906-92) played leading roles in twentieth-century architecture and design and as champions of progressive art. They met at the University of Manchester’s School of Architecture in the 1920s and married in 1935. Martin is renowned as much for his ground-breaking architectural practice as for his research and contribution to education. He held many important public and academic positions, including Principal Assistant Architect for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (1939-48), Architect to the London County Council (1953-56) and Professor of Architecture at Cambridge University (1956-72). He was the architect of some remarkable post-war buildings, including the Royal Festival Hall on London's South Bank (1951), the Gulbenkian Foundation Centre for Modern Art in Lisbon (1979) and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow (1988). Speight was also a qualified architect and had a celebrated career as a designer. She was a founder member of the Design Research Unit of the Council of Industrial Design in 1943, established to make designer skills available to industry. Her designs for products such as kettles, electric irons, textiles and rugs are particularly revered. After her death, Martin paid testament to Speight’s skill at converting properties in which they could live and work, creating a ‘background for living’ by the selection and placement of furniture, carpets, fabrics, upholstery, ceramics, books and works of art in homes and studios which were widely admired. One of Martin and Speight’s collaborative projects, and their most obvious promotion of contemporary art, was their involvement with the seminal 1937 publication Circle: International Survey of Constructive Art. Martin was a co-editor with Ben Nicholson and Naum Gabo, whilst Speight acted as Secretary and Barbara Hepworth was responsible for its layout. Circle highlighted the vital British contribution to the European abstract movement and was re-printed in 1971. In 1938, Herbert Read commissioned Martin and Speight as joint authors of The Flat Book, which was published the following year. Conceived as a practical guide to contemporary furniture, fabrics and household projects, it is now considered a reference book about the 1930s Modernist aesthetic and is admired as an essential treatise on how the best of European design could be introduced into the British home. The foreword described its aim to be a ‘catalogue of well-designed furniture and equipment’ whilst attempting to ‘set out certain standards of contemporary design and…furnish at least a basis of criticism…to help the reader in selecting his flat…[and]…the problems of planning and furnishing’. Amongst the items featured in the ‘Living and Sleeping Space’ section was a ‘Nest of tables, by Marcel Breuer, birch, £3 13s 6d (Isokon Furniture Co)’ (p.116) and a ‘Plan’ chair by Serge Chermayeff, described as an ‘Easy chair, 5 gns (Plan Ltd)’ (p.134), manufactured by the cutting-edge design companies Isokon Furniture Company and Plan Ltd respectively. These items alone could be said to encapsulate Modernist living in their innovative use of laminated plywood and sleek, simplified silhouettes. Martin and Speight acquired a set of the Breuer tables (lot 122) and a pair of the Chermayeff chairs (see lot 125) in the late 1930s. They became key features of their homes thereafter, seen for example in the sitting-room and nursery respectively in a 1953 article in House and Garden about their former gardener’s cottage in Tring Park, Hertfordshire. Indeed, Martin and Speight enjoyed a longstanding friendship with Chermayeff and his wife Barbara, who on emigrating from England to the USA via Montreal in 1940, wrote to the couple: ‘We have met with great kindness and hospitality…we leave for the States on April 3 staying with Gropius…[Montreal]… is an astonishing place…the houses are incomplete and unindividual – the ‘Flat Book’ should be read.’ (Letter from Serge and Barbara Chermayeff of 28 March 1940 to Lesie Martin and Sadie Speight, Professor Sir Leslie Martin Personal Archive, National Galleries of Scotland GMA A70/4/1) In about 1960, ‘Le Corbusier’ dining chairs by Thonet were acquired for use in Martin’s studio in The Mill, the central building in a complex converted by the couple in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire (four offered here as lot 123). Photographs of them in situ are reproduced in Martin’s 1983 publication Buildings and Ideas 1933-83 From the Studio of Leslie Martin and his Associates. In the late 1970s, Martin and Speight purchased a number of ‘Carmite’ chairs by Vico Magistretti, which formed part of the ‘background for living’ at The Barns nearby, to where they moved in 1977 (five offered here as lot 124). Originally built as the village granary in 1642, it was converted and extended for domestic and professional use. Martin and Speight chose their furniture with great care, and once acquired, it was treasured. Indeed, in 1992 Michael Parkin wrote: ‘Most of the contents of the Martins' home dated from this period, from the early Thirties, with chairs by Serge Chermayeff and Marcel Breuer, tables by Alvar Aalto, lights by Jorn Utzon and even a coffee service by Ben Nicholson.’ (Michael Parkin, Obituary of Sadie Speight, The Independent, 27 October 1992). The couple were arbiters of the very best in twentieth-century design and civilised living, in which the tables and chairs presented here played a long-term role.
Serge Ivan Chermayeff (Russian, 1900-1996), a modernist chest of drawers, circa 1938, designed for Chermayeff's own house Bentley Wood, East Sussex, England, mahogany and plywood construction, comprising a bank of ten long graduated drawers with integral handles, plinth, 168cm wide, 89cm high, 48cm deep. Provenance: The current vendor's parents-in-law purchased Bentley Wood in the late 1940s and the chest was reputedly located in the cloakroom. Bentley Wood is now considered to be one of the most influential modern private houses of the 1930's. Visited by Erno Goldfinger and Frank Lloyd Wright, Chermayeff was forced to sell the property to Sir William Emsley Carr after he was declared bankrupt and emigrated to the US in 1940. The property became Grade II listed in 2020 after alterations were made to restore it to the architect's original conception.
An Art Deco coromandel side cabinet, An Art Deco coromandel side cabinet, c.1930, designed by Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996), for Waring & Gillow, the raised centre with five drawers, flanked by two cupboards, over two further drawers, labelled and stamped to the top drawer, and numbered '93224', 153cm wide 61cm deep 99cm high Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) was a highly influential architect and designer who made significant contributions to the field of modern design. While Chermayeff is primarily known for his architectural achievements, he also ventured into furniture design, creating innovative and iconic pieces. As a key figure in the modernist movement, Chermayeff embraced the principles of functionalism, simplicity and clean lines in his designs. His furniture pieces were characterised by their sleek, minimalist aesthetics, and a harmonious blend of form and function. Chermayeff's furniture designs often featured geometric shapes and organic curves, reflecting his belief in the integration of design with the human body and the surrounding space. He aimed to create furniture that was not only visually pleasing, but also comfortable and practical for everyday use. One of Chermayeff's notable furniture collaborations was with the British furniture manufacturer PEL (People's Electric Company). Together, they developed a range of innovative and affordable furniture pieces, including chairs, tables, and storage units. These designs incorporated new materials, such as plywood, which was an emerging and versatile material at the time. Chermayeff's furniture designs were noted for their functionality, modular elements, and a sense of timelessness. He sought to create furniture that could adapt to various interior settings and cater to the changing needs of its users. Condition Report: Some knocks to the edges. Repolished. Good overall.
Serge Chermayeff, Russia (1900-1996). Abstract multicolor acrylic on board signed lower right and mounted in brushed chrome frame. Personalization and date on verso, 1990. Measures 29.5"H x 28.25"W framed; 28.5"H x 27.5"W visual. Condition report: good condition, small nick on right side on edge, please see all photos. AAG is not responsible for any errors or omissions to any lots. All sales are final and sold as is. This lot cannot be shipped in house. For an instant guaranteed third party shipping quote through Quality Packing and Shipping visit: https://www.qualitypackship.com/abington-copy-1 or contact our other third party shippers for assistance.
Serge Chermayeff Images of an Era exhibition poster 1975 screenprint in colors 34.75 h x 24 w in (88 x 61 cm) This poster was created in conjunction with the Images of an Era: The American Poster 1945 - 1975 exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. from 21 November 1975 - 4 January 1976. Provenance: Collection of Robert Staples and Barbara Fahs Charles This work will ship from Rago in Lambertville, New Jersey.
SERGE CHERMAYEFF (1900-1996) (ATTRIBUTED DESIGNER) FOR WARING & GILLOWS (ATTRIBUTED MAKER) ART DECO CABINET, CIRCA 1928 ripple sycamore veneer on mahogany construction with silver, ebonised and green lacquered detailing (121cm wide, 169cm high; 53cm deep) Literature: Battersby M. The Decorative Twenties, The Herbert Press 1988, p.188, where a cabinet of similar design is illustrated.
Serge Chermayeff for Cox & Co., a pair of modernist cantilever armchairs, originally designed for the BBC's Broadcasting House in the 1930s (2) 81cm high Note: PEL retailed the same chair but without the distinctive flared armrests
(lot of 2) Serge Chermayeff (American/Russian, 1900-1996), "Living Fragments," (1951), and "Lily Bulb," (1950), lithographs, each pencil signed, titled, and dated, each dedicated to the "Bells" and dated 1973 lower right, sheet (each/unframed): 22"h x 17"w/17"h x 22"w. Provenance: Gifted by the artist to his niece and thence by decent
Oil on masonite, 1961-62, signed 'Chermayeff' and dated lower left, with the artist's label on the reverse.24 x 30 in., 25 x 31 in. (frame). The artist; Charlie Haan; Private Collection.
(British/Russian/American, 1900-1995). Oil on paper with crayon, signed "S. Chermayeff" lr, signed, dated 1981 and titled on verso, 4 1/4 x 8 in. framed
SERGE CHERMAYEFF (1900-1996) FOR E. K. COLE LTD EKCO AC 74 BAKELITE RADIO, DESIGNED 1933 moulded Bakelite, chrome, celluloid 38cm wide, 45.5cm high, 26.5cm deep
Serge Chermayeff Russian/British/American, 1900-1996 Backgrounds for Ballet I, Cape Cod Nautical, 1944 Signed S. Chermayeff, dated ''44, inscribed to Ashley and Margaret Havinden and as titled on the reverse Oil on Masonite 24 x 15 3/4 inches Provenance Ivan Chermayeff [Sale] Sotheby''s, New York, Dec. 9, 1998, lot 221
Serge Chermayeff (Russian/American, 1900-1996). An oil on board titled "World Catastrophy #11", 1954. Signed and titled on back of board. 22 in x 15-1/2 in.
SERGE CHERMAYEFF (1900-1996) FOR P.E.L. SET OF FOUR MODERNIST CHROME ARMCHAIRS, CIRCA 1935 each with original black rexine upholstery and chromium plated cantilevered supports (4) 54cm wide, 79cm high, 39cm deep
Variation Screen #6, acrylic on gesso on board, 20 x 22 in, (50.8 x 55.9 cm), titled, dated and signed verso, PROVENANCE: New Art Centre, London, UK Exhibition label verso
Serge Chermayeff (Russian 1900-1996) for Waring & Gillows: a walnut veneered cabinet with canted corners, open ends fitted shelves, the front with banded panel doors, 91cm wide
Serge Chermayeff (Russian 1900-1996) for Waring & Gillows: a satinwood veneered card table of angular form with canted and tapered legs, 83.5cm wide/see illustration
Serge Chermayeff (Russian 1900-1996) for Waring & Gillows, circa 1930: a set of six walnut veneered dining chairs, comprising five single chairs and one carver, each with twin rail open ladder back and mustard faux leather stuffed seats, on chamfered tapering legs
Serge Chermayeff (Russian 1900-1996) for Waring & Gillows, circa 1930: a walnut veneered extending dining table, with banded edges and chamfered corners on octagonal tapering legs, two extra leaves, 190cm fully extended
Serge Ivan CHERMAYEFF (1900 - 1996) Suite de huit fauteuils - Circa 1940 Structure tubulaire en métal chromé, assise, dossier et support d'accotoirs en bois Edition PEL h: 80 w: 54 d: 51 cm
An Art Deco coromandel sideboard, designed by Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) for Waring and Gillow Ltd., the raised centre with five drawers flanked by cupboards, over two further drawers, on a raised plinth, labelled and stamped to the top drawer and numbered 93224 to the back, 153cm wide 61cm deep 99cm high Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) Born in Grozny in 1900 to a wealthy Jewish family, Chermayeff came to England to be educated at Harrow School. After a brief time as a journalist and then a professional dancer, and with no formal training, he joined Waring and Gillow as the head of their Modern Art Studio. In 1928, in collaboration with the French decorator, Paul Follot, who ran Waring and Gillow's Paris branch, he organised an Exhibition of Modern Design, which gave the British public access to luxurious Paris furnishings and an introduction to the French modern style. This sideboard is identical in form to that in the 1928 Exhibition, but this example is veneered entirely in coro
Serge Chermayeff (American, 1900-1996) Harbour View Signed and dated "S. Chermayeff '51" l.l. and u.l., signed, titled, and dated on the reverse. Oil on Masonite, 33 x 41 in. (83.8 x 104.1 cm), framed. Condition: Surface grime, nail holes along top.
A pair of tubular chrome cantilever armchairs, designed by Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) for the BBC, with brown leather seats, worn (2) Serge Chermayeff was born in Grozny, Russia and moved to the UK when he was young and gained British citizenship in 1928. He worked on design projects around the country including the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea. In 1940 he emigrated to the USA and continued to teach design at various universities.
Serge Chermayeff (American, 1900-1996) Dawn to Dusk, Cape Cod Incised signature and date "CHERMAYEFF 1945" l.l., also signed, dated, and titled "S. CHERMAYEFF 1946..." in pencil and identified on the artist's label affixed to the reverse. Oil on panel, 24 x 36 1/4 in. (61.0 x 92.1 cm), framed. Condition: Minor losses, abrasions, craquelure, surface grime. N.B. According to the artist's label, the work was exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1948.
A SERGE CHERMAYEFF (1900-1996) 'PLAN' LOUNGE CHAIR AND SETTEE DESIGNED 1933 Laminated beech plywood frames, wool tweed upholstery The settee: 24 in. (86.4 cm.) high; 47½ in. (120.6 cm.) wide; 29 in. (73.6 cm.) deep; the chair: 34½ in. (87.6 cm.) high; 26¾ in. (68 cm.) high; 29 in. (73.6 cm.) deep (2)
SERGE CHERMAYEFF, OIL & PENCIL ON PAPER, 1969, 11" X 15", "WINDOW WITH VASE": RUSSIAN 1900-1995: Signed lower right; titled and dated; acrylic box frame.
SERGE CHERMAYEFF A RARE CABINET possibly made by Waring and Gillow, gold, dark brown lacquer, the doors incised with floral motifs, with six drawers flanked by two cupboard doors 129.5cm. high by 100cm. wide by 35cm. deep; 4ft 3in., 3ft 3¼in., 1ft 1¾in. late 1920s
Serge Chermayeff untitled (Collage) 1968 gouache, paper and reproduction on paper 18 h x 25 w inches Signed, dated and inscribed to verso 'For Bob with many happy returns 1968 Serge Chermayeff'. Provenance: Private collection, Ohio | J. Donald Nichols, Nashville | Gift to Robert Wolff | Acquired from the previous by the present owner
RARE IMPORTANT CHEST OF DRAWERS, 1928 manufactured by Waring & Gillow Ltd., England; aluminium, pine the top drawer stamped "WARING & GILLOW LTD," and with the firm's metal label 37 3/4 x 47 1/4 x 18 3/8 in. (96.6 x 121 x 47 cm)
