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EDWARD BARNSLEY (LOTS 140-148) Edward Barnsley stated: "What I like to think I've done is in some measure to improve on two backgrounds or traditions. One is the Gimson/Barnsley with which I started, on to which I like to think I've added something new; the other is the eighteenth century from which I derive most of my plans and thoughts" (quoted in Mary Comino, Gimson and the Barnsleys 'Wonderful furniture of a commonplace kind', London, 1980, p. 205). Edward Barnsley (1900-1987) was the son of Sidney Barnsley, who worked with Ernest Gimson and together they became known as leading Cotswold furniture makers. Edward initially worked in the tradition of his father, but during the 1930s began to design along more modernist lines. After the Second World War, he was strongly influenced by eighteenth century furniture design and as a result of wood shortages during and following the War, he employed more exotic woods, such as black bean and padauk, with inlays to enliven them. Barnsley made furniture himself until 1976, but he preferred to focus on the design aspect and left the construction to his workshop. He placed great emphasis on craftsmanship and the pleasures of hand-making and so it was not until the 1950s that he employed machinery in order to compete on larger commissions. His production methods were costly and his furniture more expensive than that made by Gordon Russell and Heal's. Lots 140-148 were commissioned by Dimitri Comino OBE, BSC, FBIM following a move from London to Gerrard's Cross. Mr Comino wanted furniture but being unsure who to approach sought the advice of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. He and Barnsley remained friends until the latter's death. PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF THE LATE MRS KATERINA COMINO (lots 140 - 143)

EDWARD BARNSLEY

PAIR OF CABINETS, 1956-7

Details

EDWARD BARNSLEY
PAIR OF CABINETS, 1956-7
mahogany and holly, and green tooled leather with gilt design, with four drawers above twin-doors opening to reveal adjustable shelves
33½ in. (85 cm.) high; 36 in. (91.4 cm.) wide; 17½ in. (44.4 cm.) deep (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The invoice for these cabinets is dated December 1957 and reads:
"Two Cabinets for papers, books etc, in selected Cuban Mahogany, inlaid with Holly, and with panels and drawer fronts covered with green Goatskin, tooled in blind and gold by Peter Waters".
The invoice is for £460.

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