Trash or Treasure: Eames chair redux

Posted 9/6/15

Q. I read your recent article about the Eames chair and I have a chair and ottoman which is similar. It bought it in 1960 at Roitman & Son. It is upholstered in white leather. Can you tell me anything about it?

A. The Roitmans were …

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Trash or Treasure: Eames chair redux

Posted

Q. I read your recent article about the Eames chair and I have a chair and ottoman which is similar. It bought it in 1960 at Roitman & Son. It is upholstered in white leather. Can you tell me anything about it?

A. The Roitmans were retail/wholesale furniture dealers with a store on South Main Street in Providence. They did not make furniture. They sold many types of manufactured furniture but in addition they helped promote and sell furniture made by local craftsmen. These unique pieces that are either one of a kind or had very limited production are referred to as “studio furniture”. Studio furniture, although functional, is considered more sculptural and a work of art.

Rhode Island is home to many talented furniture makers and Roitman & Son developed relationships with several in the area including leaders in the field who were teachers at Rhode Island School of Design. In 1980, Roitman & Son Inc. hosted an exhibition of these makers works. Unfortunately, Roitman & Son closed in 1990.

You mentioned you bought your lounge chair and ottoman in 1960. It looks very similar to the Eames chair with molded plywood construction. The Eames chair was introduced and much celebrated in 1956. This chair was either made by a manufacturer which was trying to copy the Eames chair or it could be a unique model made by a local studio furniture craftsman. The most important factor in valuing this chair is to identify the maker. Look carefully under both pieces and perhaps there is a label or other marks which would help identify who made it. A mass produced chair will be worth a lot less than one that was handcrafted.

Karen Waterman is a fine art, antique furniture and decorative arts appraiser in the East Bay area and will answer as many questions regarding your “hidden treasures” as possible. By sending a letter or email with a question you give full permission for use in the column. Names, addresses or e-mail will not be published and photos will be returned if requested. Send e-mails (digital photos preferred ) to watermanappraisal@gmail.com. Send snail mail to Waterman Appraisal and Consulting Services,PO Box 134, Barrington, RI 02806.

karen waterman

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