Geoffrey Diner Gallery is to bring the finest examples of the work of George Nakashima (1905-1990), one of the most influential post-war furniture makers, to London for the first time at the Treasure House Fair, Royal Hospital Chelsea from 22-26 June.
https://dinergallery.com/Above: A monumental 10-seat George Nakashima dining table commissioned for the National Geographic editor, Wilbur Garrett shown at the editor’s home
One of North America’s leading art and design dealers, Geoffrey Diner will present 8 stunning pieces by George Nakashima in London during Treasure House including a key work of note – a monumental 10 seat dining table commissioned for the National Geographic editor, Wilbur Garret. The work perfectly echoes Nakashima’s artistic philosophy of the maintenance of the beauty and natural aura of a tree.
The 1969 Conoid Dining Table displays Nakashima’s signature woodworking design with its large dual Persian walnut slabs connected by butterfly joints and characterized by a smooth top interrupted by natural open fissures and free edges. With it are a set of ten black walnut and hickory chairs, a drawing for the design and the original 1969 invoice made out to the famed editor, Wilbur Garrett who won the 1969 National Press Photographers Association Photographer of the Year Award for his work covering Vietnam from 1960 until 1968.
Other works of note include a coffee table created collaboratively by George Nakashima and his daughter, Mira Nakashima (image below), as well as a pristine example of the ‘Conoid Bench’.
Geoffrey Diner, “To be fully appreciated, the exceptional works of George Nakashima need to be experienced - seen and touched first hand. We are excited to bring these exceptional works to the London market at the inaugural Treasure House Fair. Our clients from the UK and Europe are very important for us, and we have always curated with an eye toward overseas buyers we now hope to see at the Treasure House. Highlights of our tenure at Masterpiece have included the presentation and sale of Sir Marc Newson’s ‘Lockheed Lounge’ (accompanied by the designer’s visit to the Fair), the sale of Banksy’s ‘Kissing Coppers,’ the presentation of Lichtenstein’s unseen ‘Puzzle Portrait,’ and our reception of numerous awards for displays combining rare design with superb works of art.”
George Nakashima, (American born of Japanese descent), was trained as an architect and began making furniture in the late 1930s in India. Whilst interned in America during World War II, he learned to use traditional Japanese wood carving tools from a fellow inmate. Then began a lifelong devotion to creating furniture that embodied the natural grain and texture of the wood. In doing so he became recognized as a father of the American Craft movement whose work can command close to 1 million dollars at auction.
THE TREASURE HOUSE FAIR, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR www.treasurehousefair.com
Collectors Day, 21 June; Preview Day, 22 June; Open to the public, 23-26 June 2023