Ornate Wicker Chair Attributed to Heywood-Wakefield, USA

Regular price: R 6,200.00
Sale price: R 6,200.00
Regular price
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Exquisite Victorian-era Wicker, accent chair attributed based on research to the legendary Heywood-Wakefield Company, USA.

Masterfully crafted from tightly woven rattan and bentwood, this piece features a breathtaking, sculptural lyre-shaped backrest. Intricate openwork scrolls adorn both the upper crest and the lower structural undercarriage, showcasing the pinnacle of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship.

The rich, dark espresso finish perfectly highlights the organic textures, while a freshly refreshed, modern upholstered seat cushion ensures comfortable, everyday utility.

Company Background: Born from an 1897 merger between rival giants, Heywood Brothers & Co. and the Wakefield Rattan Company, the newly formed Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Rattan Co. quickly became a premier authority on high-quality wicker and rattan furniture. Based out of Gardner, Massachusetts, the firm revolutionized American design, seamlessly transitioning from highly ornate, hand-woven Victorian masterpieces to sleek Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern iconic styles in the decades that followed.

Label & Provenance Note: While the original maker's mark has worn away over the decades, traces of its history remains. Visible on the rear frame are the two original brass securing pins exactly where the factory label was once affixed. This subtle detail serves as a signature calling card for authentic, early-production Heywood-Wakefield pieces, providing a tangible link to the chair's historic American craftsmanship, though without it, it cannot be confirmed.

The photograph of the label shown here is sourced from documented historical records and is not present on this chair. It has been included for reference purposes only, illustrating the appearance of the original label and its typical placement. On our chair, there is a clear outline and surface evidence indicating where a label was once affixed in the corresponding position.

Examples retaining their original manufacturer’s label have sold for in excess of R28,000. Although the label is no longer present on this chair, a distinct outline remains where it was once attached. As a result, and despite the strong attribution, this example has been priced substantially below documented labelled examples.

Condition:

Carefully refurbished & restored where needed with a newly upholstered seat and in great vintage condition, ready to bring new life to its next home.

Dimensions:

43cm W x 40cm D x 97cm H

Seat height 46cm H

Shipping Information:

If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.

Please be aware that we cannot reserve any items until transportation or shipping arrangements have been finalized. Therefore, it is important to purchase the item and proceed with the checkout process.

After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions & volumetric weight of the item(s) you have bought.

Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.

Note/Disclaimer:

Our images form part of the item description. While we make every effort to restore our furniture to its original state, most pieces date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. As a result, and despite restoration, signs of their vintage nature and previous life may still be visible. Light traces of restoration may remain visible, consistent with authentic vintage furniture. In some cases, minor adjustments may also have been made during the restoration process to ensure the piece remains functional and usable. We will point out any notable aspects where possible. We encourage in-store viewing or careful review of photographs before purchase.

Transport & Handling Note:

All items are carefully wrapped and prepared for transport by us (not the courier) to ensure safe handling. Once items leave our premises, we cannot take responsibility for their treatment by third-party transporters. We strongly recommend arranging goods-in-transit insurance for comprehensive protection.

Due to the fragility of glass, we do not recommend shipping glass items outside of Gauteng.

For the full shipping policy, please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information: https://retrend.co.za/policies/shipping-policy