July 14, 2022 10:00 EST

The Gilded Age

 
Lot 3
 

3

An Italian Silvered Shell-Back Grotto Chair
late 19th/early 20th century

The seat upholstered in black velvet.

H: 36 1/2, W: 18, D: 21 in.

Provenance

The Charles J. McManus Jr. Collection.
Thence by descent.

Charles J. McManus Jr. (1922-2011) was noted interior designer and a passionate collector of antiques with a particular interest in the unusual and unexpected. As an interior designer, McManus worked on several important commissions in his birthplace of Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Club and the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. He acquired pieces for his own collection during his extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where he owned a former sugar plantation in Antigua. His style of entertainment was widely admired as he hosted elaborate parties in his home, the former French Consulate in Philadelphia. The New York Times Magazine detailed one such cocktail party, and McManus described his goal for his collection as: “creating a mood, a feeling of warmth and otherworldliness,” for others to enjoy.

Estimate
$800 - $1,200
 

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The seat upholstered in black velvet.

Provenance

The Charles J. McManus Jr. Collection.
Thence by descent.

Charles J. McManus Jr. (1922-2011) was noted interior designer and a passionate collector of antiques with a particular interest in the unusual and unexpected. As an interior designer, McManus worked on several important commissions in his birthplace of Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Club and the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. He acquired pieces for his own collection during his extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where he owned a former sugar plantation in Antigua. His style of entertainment was widely admired as he hosted elaborate parties in his home, the former French Consulate in Philadelphia. The New York Times Magazine detailed one such cocktail party, and McManus described his goal for his collection as: “creating a mood, a feeling of warmth and otherworldliness,” for others to enjoy.

  

With sizable losses to silver paint and gesso, with edges heavily rubbed, cracks to paint, and some large chips to finish (especially at feet). A split to the chair back. Chair with slight wobble, but otherwise stable. Reupholstered with black velvet, slight wear to fabric but otherwise clean. No obvious repairs.


Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jkyzn58j84ramvo/AADNG_tbB4kyyUP34ELvpUn2a?dl=0

Please note: All lots show signs of wear consistent with age and use, and the absence of a statement regarding condition issues does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from imperfections or the effects of aging.

Unless otherwise noted, all information provided is the opinion of Freeman's specialists.


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