Mid-Century Modern seating set, Parker Furniture, Australia, 1956

Description

Mid-Century Modern seating set, Parker Furniture, Australia, 1956

An exceptionally rare seating set comprising a sofa and two armchairs. It was designed and manufactured by the Australian company Parker Furniture in 1956. Parker has a long history of creating some of the finest furniture of the Mid-Century Modern era. This set has excellent proportions. It features simple cushions upholstered in a distinctive designer fabric in royal blue, complementing the sculptural silhouette of the furniture. All upholstered elements are finished on every side, and the cushions rest on a sprung construction. Strongly defined curves are set within a low, aerodynamic frame made of solid teak. This highly organic form is an excellent example of modernist style, visibly inspired by the natural shapes, curves and asymmetry found in nature. Clean lines and a lightweight profile come together to create a comfortable and stylish structure with a timeless character. The beauty of these pieces can be seen in their considered details: the sharp angles visible in the armrests and projecting rear rails, the natural wood finish and the choice of materials. The set bears a label on the wooden frame and a sewn-in tag on the cushions. Elegant style and refined design are the hallmarks of the Parker brand.

The Parker Furniture manufactory was founded as Dagger and Parker by craftsman Alf Dagger and Jack Parker. The company’s modest beginnings were transformed by the production of furniture for the government, after which it began its rapid development. Initially, the company mainly produced traditional furniture—reproductions of antique styles or Art Deco. In the mid-1940s, the young Tony Parker, Jack Parker’s son, began studying industrial design. He honed his skills at the John Lewis department store in London. After gaining experience, Tony began managing the family business, raising it to the highest level of quality and aesthetics. JW Parker, later known as Parker Furniture, is Australia’s most famous furniture brand, founded in 1935.

This beautiful set is in original, almost museum-quality vintage condition, with normal signs of age. There are minor repairs, including small ones to the rear of the upholstery and at the frame joints.

The armchair measures: height 75 cm | width 69 cm | depth 73 cm | seat height 42 cm

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