Vintage American Harold Grieve (Attrib) Painted Oak Chest Of Drawers

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Vintage American Harold Grieve (Attrib) Painted Oak Chest Of Drawers

About the Item

A remarkable, rare, likely one-of-a-kind, William and Mary style (early 18th century) oak chest of drawers featuring paint decoration attributed to Harold Grieve (California, 1901-1993). The well-made solid wood case with clean, straight lines and heavy-looking, obviously sturdy form is fitted with five graduated drawers and features an elegant Scandinavian taste paint finish of warm, light and airy grayish blue hues, intentionally worn distressed finish with simulated rustic patina, desirable mellow discoloration, and faux antique character marks. Having a rectangular shaped top with molded edge, above two half drawers over three full-length drawers, all with high-quality dovetail joinery and decorative geometric paneling. Commissioned by the late Wesley & Suzanne LaFever of Beverly Hills, California, one drawer-front features intentionally worn hand painted red initials WL and SL. Flanked by recessed paneled sides, stepped molding skirt, rising on bun feet in the front and block feet rear. Harold Grieve was an American motion picture art director and interior designer. Born in Los Angeles, California at the turn of the century, by the early 1920s Grieve went to work in the film industry as a set designer and art director. He became one of the founding members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and remained active all his life in the Academy's library of historical records. Near the beginning of the 1930s, Grieve gave up working for a film studio to set up an interior design business. In 1932 his wife, former star of the silent era Jetta Goudal, whom he married in 1930, joined him in the business. Grieve got his break doing the interior of the quintessential old Hollywood mansion and quintessential classical Hollywood golden age actress Colleen Moore's celebrated Spanish Colonial styled 345 St. Pierre Road Bell-air estate, as well as later her famous dollhouse that toured the U.S. and which can now be seen on display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. In spite of H. W. Grieve Interior Decoration business in its infancy and Grieve's obvious lack of experience, Moore went ahead and asked him to do the bathroom, but he confidently told her “Either I do your whole house, Miss Moore, or nothing.” Impressed by his chutzpah, she gave him the job and as such also giving a major boost to his nascent interior design business. Grieve would go on to a highly successful career with many famous Hollywood clients including designing the interior of a dream home for legendary crooner Bing Crosby, the interior of Toujours Eblouissante, the Palm Springs estate of French opera star Lily Pons that was prominently featured in Architectural Digest, Raoul Walsh, Hal Roach; Lily Pons; Howard Greer; Zeppo Marx; Earle C. Anthony; Irving Thalberg & Norma Shearer, among many others. Provenance / Acquisition: The estate of Mr. Wesley and Mrs. Suzanne LaFever, Beverly Hills, California. Acquired from highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, established 1981, Austin, Texas. Dimensions: (approx) 35.5" High, 36" Wide, 20" Deep Versatile: An important example, that's as attractive as it is useful, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a bedroom commode or dresser, dining room sideboard server, family room credenza, office storage cabinet, oversized hall console, or placed in the foyer as a most distinctive yet understated statement piece! Condition: Great original antique / vintage condition. Overall a wonderful museum quality example. Strong, sturdy, and stable. It presents well, enhanced by intentionally distressed, weathered, worn finish, and nicely aged patina over the whole. May have minor age appropriate wear, consistent with age and use, nothing that detracts from the display or functionality, but only adds to the sophisticated character, elegant warmth, and rich historical depth. Delivered cleaned, hand waxed and polished in a hand rubbed French patina finish, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment!

Dimensions:
Height: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
Style:
William and Mary (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Oak,Paint
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Forney, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5977230924302