Michael Hirst Safari Chair
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beardy
I have this pair of chairs which I know little about other than they are very cool.
I am looking to make them functional but also wanting to not alter their look too much
The leather arm slings and the straps under the base are in poor condition but the seat base and back seem fine.
Appreciate some advice on the best way to deal with them and if anyone knows era or origin
cheers
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Hi Beardy,
Looking at the detail the designer is Michael Hirst, ca. 1960. Check out Michael Hirst :: biography at
:: at Design and Art Australia Online. Both the Powerhouse Museum and NGV have his works in their collections, predominately steel rod designs or work done in collaboration with Clement Meadmore. It's possible Hirst himself made them as no one else is credited that I'm aware off.
Hirst was continuing in the tradition that all designers, woodworkers, chair makers, etc, at some point reach; pitting ones skill and knowledge against the those practiced by our forebears...and contemporaries for that matter. A tradition more commonly associated with the Windsor chair.
As to why the resurgence in Scandinavia of a chair more commonly associated with the British Raj?
This is the conundrum of the internet. Instant gratification and short attention spans. :U