Collection Online

Eleanor E1 Elastic Suspension Contour armchair
(1954)

Medium
Kauri (Agathis atropurpurea), plywood, cotton, (other materials)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1987
© Grant Featherston/Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia
Gallery location
Not on display
 

About this work

The Eleanor E1 elastic suspension chair saw Grant Featherston combine the plywood shell of his Contour series with lumbar and seat cushions for additional comfort. Covered in its original vinyl upholstery, this prototype reflects the mid-century fashion for plastic-coated fabrics, including the trademarked Nylex and Vynex brands. Used in the mid 1950s to upholster furniture in public environments, including Melbourne venues such as the Chevron Hotel on St Kilda Road and the Edinburgh Room at Caulfield Racecourse, these fabrics offered durability, practicality and a range of colours, patterns and textures, all at an affordable price.

Artwork Details

Medium
Kauri (Agathis atropurpurea), plywood, cotton, (other materials)
Measurements
86.0 x107.0 × 82.0 cm
Place/s of Execution
Melbourne, Victoria
Inscription
stamped in ink on undercarriage: FEATHERSTON CHAIR / uphostery / FIBRE, HAIR WADDING / LATEX RUBBER / Legs SOLID TIMBER / frame FORMED PLYWOOD patents 154848 / manufacturer EMERSON BROS. PTY. LTD / designer GRANT FEATHERSTON / 90 WELLS ST., South Melbourne
Accession Number
D75-1987
Department
Australian Decorative Arts
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1987
© Grant Featherston/Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display