The Cambridge Armchair was designed byBetty Joel, in 1935. With its curvilinear shapes and straightforward design, it’s the perfect example of the British modern aesthetics during the Art Decò Period.
Image source:https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/betty_joel_walnut_armchair__desk_chair/as157a430
Clean Lines for a Functional Chair
TheCambridge Armchairwas part of a suite of furniture designed in1935for the consulting rooms of Harley Street eye surgeonF. A. Williamson-Noble．The set also included adesk, awastepaper bin, and aletter tray, all made in the sameQueensland silky oak．影响材料和丰富线条简洁of French Art Deco furniture, as well as thefunctionalismand craftsmanship of theArts and Crafts movement, Joel sought to create a piece that was beautiful, practical and finely crafted.
Image source:https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/98618/mary-stewart-lockhart-mrs-betty-joel-le-touquet-france
Image source:https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/art_deco_betty_joel_bedroom_suite_fine_maple/as274a320
The Modern Aesthetic of Curvilinear Design
Beginning her design journey by producing pieces for her own house,Betty Joelsoon realized that her furniture was highly demanded and resolved to set up a small factory at Hayling Island,London．
Image source:https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O370236/dressing-table/
Initially, much of the furniture was made inteakoroak．This was known as“Token” furniture,工厂Hayling岛了same name. The popularity of Joel’s design was such that by1929the factory moved to bigger premises at Portsmouth. During these times, Joel developed her own unique style:functionalismand the use ofclean,curvilinear lineswere the fundamentals of her designs and are clearly shown in pieces of furniture the like of theCambridge Armchairand theRevolving Bed．
Image source:https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O144121/desk-joel-betty/
Image source:https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O129972/table-betty-joel-ltd/
Materials and Structure of the Cambridge Armchair
The Cambridge armchair is made of an Australian walnut frame, dowelled joints, and leather upholstery. Thecurvilinear shapeand the use ofexotic wood veneers, such as theQueensland silky oak, wastypicalof Joel’s styleat the time.
Thewooden armrestsof the chair are an extension of the legs and compose the main structure of the piece. The backrest, a frame also in Australian wood, was originally designed without any cushion, but a new version was later produced which had it covered in leather. Finally, another version without armrests was designed and is currently available for purchase.
Image source:https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/set_of_6_betty_joel_walnut_dining_chairs/as157a452
Data Sheet
- Designer: Betty Joel;
- Year of design: 1935;
- Provenience: United Kingdom;
- Materials: leather, wood (Australian walnut and Queensland silky oak);
- Dimensions: 91.5 x 54,5 x 45 cm.
Info sources:
https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/251648/set-of-6-betty-joel-walnut-dining-chairs/
