Wharton Esherick, Hammer Handle chairs, set of four

Wharton Esherick
Hammer Handle chairs, set of four

USA, c. 1950
hickory, hide
31 h × 20.5 w × 21.5 d in (79 × 52 × 55 cm)

The present works are the last of four variations Esherick made of the Hammer Handle chair.

Provenance: Collection of Hedgerow Theater actress Gretchen A. Smith (two examples) | Rago, Modern, June 2011, Lots 1035 and 1036 (two examples) | Private Collection

Literature: Wharton Esherick: The Journey of a Creative Mind, Bascom, ppg. 162-163

This item will preview and ship from Rago in Lambertville, New Jersey.
Condition Report: Wear throughout presented in varying degrees, commensurate with age and use. Proportions to each example vary as elements are likely hand-shaped. All chairs exhibit later replaced seats showing minor to advanced staining overall, with one seat retaining a large tear. Older repair to front right stretcher of one example, and separations within grain to crest rails of two. Some chairs may benefit from updated seats. Overall, fine vintage condition.