Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs
The San Francisco area woodworker Arthur Espenet Carpenter was one of the most celebrated figures in the postwar American Studio Furniture movement. Like George Nakashima, Sam Maloof, Wendell Castle and other craftsmen of the era, Carpenter built furniture both as a means of creative expression and for the simple personal fulfillment of making a thing well. The excellence of their work stood in high relief against the mass-produced goods made of synthetic materials that became prevalent in the mid-20th century. Born in New York City during the Jazz Age, Carpenter earned a degree in economics from Dartmouth College and initially intended to become an accountant, like his father. But after serving four years in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II, Carpenter had a change of heart about entering the business world. Back in New York, he became an Asian-arts dealer but finally found a true sense of direction when visiting the “Good Design” shows held in that era at the Museum of Modern Art. Carpenter was particularly taken with the hand-turned wooden bowls by James Prestini and decided he wanted to make objects himself. To get far from New York, he drove to San Francisco at age 28, bought a lathe and, with the help of a G.I. Bill small-business stipend, opened a woodworking shop in the Mission District. Carpenter started out making bowls, sold through local high-end retailers such as Geary’s. His skills improved, and within a few years Carpenter had moved to the coastal town of Bolinas, California, where he built furniture on commission. His national reputation was sealed when in 1972 — somewhat to Carpenter’s own surprise — his designs were shown by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in the exhibition “Woodworks,” alongside those of Nakashima, Maloof, Castle and the Philadelphia-area craftsman Wharton Esherick. Carpenter defined a new design aesthetic now known as the “California roundover” — a style characterized by flowing lines and gently-contoured edges that make wood feel almost supple to the touch. The graceful and comfortable Wishbone chair, so named for the tapered supports that form its legs, is Carpenter’s signature design. The chairs, typically made of black walnut, are usually priced in the range of $20,000 a piece. Because of its simplicity and economy of materials, Carpenter’s furniture works well in any informal, unfussy decor — though it is particularly striking in a modern environment. As you will see on these pages, the work of Arthur Espenet Carpenter is both friendly and exquisite. The quality of its craftsmanship is impeccable, and it exudes the gentle warmth of the lovingly handmade object.
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Creator: Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wishbone Chair
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Chicago, IL
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wishbone Chair, Walnut Frame with vellum sling seat.
Carved signature and number to the underside of the chair ‘Espenet 8010 3 ...
Category
1980s American Organic Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Arthur Espenet Carpenter Captains Chair. Red Lacquer, Black Leather. Signed.
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare "Captains Chair" by Arthur Espenet Carpenter. Original red lacquered wood and black leather seat. Overall very good condition with areas of wear including where the legs meet ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, "Wishbone” Chair circa 1970s, Stamped
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, California, USA, circa early 1970s "Wishbone" chair of African Hyedua and brown leather strapping. Stamped to the underside "Espenet", he chose not to sign ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs
Materials
Leather
Rare Pair of Wishbone Chairs by Arthur Espenet Carpenter
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare pair of wishbone armchairs studio made by Arthur Espenet Carpenter (1920-2006), Bolinas, CA. In grained walnut with visible dowel construction, a shaped back that continues in...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs
Materials
Walnut
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Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Arthur Espenet Carpenter were created in the modern style in united states during the late 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Donghia, Ralph Lauren, and General Fireproofing Company. Prices for Arthur Espenet Carpenter chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $14,500 and can go as high as $38,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $15,675.