Thursday, August 9, 2018

Pair of Kittinger Furniture Co. Chairs

I've passed this building a few times over the last couple of years and often wondered if it was a Kittinger showroom, office, workshop or warehouse.  It was on the route today, after having just purchased a pair of beautiful chairs made by Kittinger in the 1920's.  I thought it would make a good backdrop for a photo of the chairs.  I went in to ask if I could take a photo in front of their building an met Ray, the current owner of Kittinger Furniture.  As it turns out the building is showroom, office, workshop and warehouse.  He was extremely gracious and gave me a personal tour and a history lesson.  It was like being a kid in a candy store...or a middle-aged antique dealer looking behind the curtain of a favorite maker.  Many of my favorite, and the most beautiful, pieces in the shop over the last decade were made by Kittinger.  I knew they had done many pieces for The White House (before the current admin.) including the chair President Obama sat in for his inauguration.  Hearing the stories first hand and seeing all the ephemera was amazing.  Seeing the attention to detail, care in handcrafting, and pride in workmanship still present today was somehow very reassuring.  This pair of Jacobean influenced chairs by Kittinger exhibit all the qualities for which the company is known, and they have stood the test of time beautifully.  The Naugahyde upholstery is newer.  37" h., 26" w., 20" h.  American, c. 1920's  SOLD
Condition:  Very good vintage condition with age appropriate wear and minor restoration.