Thomas Henry Kendall: The Chapel Street Ceiling (part)
Comprising eight Californian red pine and mixed wood coffered panels, the geometric mouldings having floret bosses at the intersections, 284x145cm, 190x166cm (x2) 234x167cm, 282x166cm (x2), 210x144cm and 190x145cm, a triangular section, 157x176x235cm, eight moulded dentil ribs, 197cm (x3), 147cm (x3) and 148cm (x2), and four drop pendents, 30cm, together with a moulded window arch, 292cm wide x 102cm high, with its two supporting half-column Conrinthian pilasters, 135cm high, and other elements.

Provenance: Acquired in 1957 at the dispersal sale of Thomas Henry Kendall's Chapel Street showroom and studio, thence by descent to the vendor.

Footnote: The ceiling and window mouldings are illustrated in The Conoisseur Magazine of 1956 in an article by Denys Hinton A.R.I.B.A. and briefly described, "The rooms themselves have an architectural quality . . . and resemble a provincial version of Sir John Soane's Museum. Two semi-circular arched windows spring from attached Conrinthian columns, in timber . . . beneath a heavily coffered ceiling in woods of four different colours . . ."

Condition Report

This lot has been left in 'as found' condition for the purposes of sensitive restoration. It does not constitute the whole ceiling from the Chapel Street showroom but a part thereof. Dry stored since 1957 and so all elements have degrees of surface dust and grime. General wear and discolouring throughout. A few small areas of old worm. Some missing and loose elements to all items including dentil blocks and some of the carved florets. Ceiling panel red pine planks fair with splits to some. Two of the columns are good, one column lacking its capital and there is an associated spare capital carving. Arch has stress splits to each end. Please refer to images.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.