Description
Provenance and Background Info
(These chairs sold through iNVISeDGE for $2500 back in 2012. These days in 2018 I’d price the exact same set of chairs at around $3200. They’re bloody RARE- particularly here in Australia and they’re fascinating VINTAGE pieces!)
Description was written in 2012.
A set of six 1970’s Charles Hollis Jones Waterfall chairs. The listed price is for 6 chairs. When re-upholstered these chairs are valued at about $1500 EACH ($12 000 for eight)- there is a set of six currently on-line in America for $12 000- $2000 EACH. This is the second set of Waterfall chairs I’ve seen in Australia- the other set I saw was back in 2005 in a high-end vintage design shop in Sydney and they were over $1000 each back then. These chairs are virtually impossible to find in Australia and I’d say there would only be a handful of sets in the Southern hemisphere.
Out of everything, the thing I like most about these chairs is caressing the rounded Perspex/Lucite armrests- yes that makes me sound strange. They’re a pleasure to sit in because you feel completely comfortable putting your arms and hands over the armrests- they won’t mark or stain. You can sit back, arms out and be at ease.
Charles Hollis Jones is an American designer who saw the potential in using clear Perspex or Lucite in upscale furniture and art back in the 1960’s when no-one else was doing it. He initially began creating unique pieces for some of New York’s most renowned showrooms including Hudson-Rissman. His work was met with instant acclaim by both art critics and Hollywood celebrities. Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Johnny Carson were among some of the first to commission Jones to design pieces for their homes. Sly Stallone paid $32,000 in 1978 for a queen-size bed with a Perspex base that looked as if it were fired up ready for liftoff. This is where the potential for clear Perspex furniture is obvious. Many iNVISeDGE items have been purchased by set designers and interior designers over the years and these chairs have as much interior design appeal as any piece we’ve had. The “waterfall” effect is eye-catching, glamorous and would add sleek sophistication and a creative edge to any space.
Charles Hollis Jones is known as the pioneer of Lucite Perspex design. Curves in Perspex are almost impossible to create- and I’ve never seen Perspex this thick ever (the armrests are about 6cm thick). The procedures he used were cutting edge, right down to the way he cured the Perspex several times to strengthen its finish. These chairs were made in the 1970’s however the Perspex is in extraordinary condition thanks to his mastery of this uncommon medium. The fabric shows over 30 years of use- it’s pretty disgusting but the eventual buyer will do well to keep this ebay listing with the photos as the upholstery helps verify the vintage of the chairs. I feel we were able to create a glamorous look with these chairs with upholstery that is the sheer opposite of glamorous- imagine them re-done…
These chairs are at least 30 years old and are all in rock solid condition. They’ve been crafted to last, crafted to tell stories for generations to come. After much of the cheap “designer” furniture of today has ended up as landfill, these chairs will be passed onto yet another generation. I would certainly be keen to stock these chairs again in the future- if I ever find them again (unlikely!). There are very few better ways to invest in your home and reduce landfill.