Frederick Keisler Lamps

As part of the interior furnishings for Harris Armstrong's Shanley Building, Armstrong custom designed a chair of wood with woven straps reminiscent of Shaker furniture. As part of the carefully and deliberately staged photographs for publication, Armstrong contrasted the warmth of his chair with the sleek, cool chrome of Frederick Keisler floor lamps.

Two of the original Keisler lamps from the Shanley Building's waiting room are now being auctioned by Wright. The auction will begin at 10am PT on 8 December 2009.


Following are details from the item's listing:

• designer: Frederick Kiesler floor lamp (Lot 219)

• manufacturer: Rembrandt Lighting Company, USA, 1930/1935

• materials: chrome-plated and enameled brass, chrome-plated steel

• dimensions: 12 w x 35.5 d x 49 h inches


• description: This lamp was part of the original furnishings of the 1935 Shanley Building in St. Louis, an International Style building awarded a silver medal at the 1937 Paris Exposition of Art and Technology and listed on the National Historic Register.

• literature: Architectural Review, Vol. LXXXI, No. 484, March 1937, ppg. 137, 141 illustrate this lamp in situ Frederick Kiesler, Phillips, pg. 23 illustrates related form

• provenance: Shanley Building, St. Louis | Dr. Leo M. Shanley, St. Louis | Thence by descent | Acquired from the Estate of Dr. Leo M. Shanley by the present owner

This auction addresses "Important Design". It is being handled by:

Wright
1440 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642

This auction features many truly wonderful examples of design. Check it out !