Wharton Esherick

(American, 1887-1970)

Undulating fireplace wall, 1954

walnut, poplar and cherry wood

168 × 124 in ( 427 × 315 cm)

Carved signature near floor on the proper right side of fireplace frame; 'WE 1954'

Note

This lot is located in Philadelphia and is currently installed in the original home. Please note that the buyer will be responsible for the removal of the fireplace. Previews may be arranged by appointment.

Additional Image

From the archives of the Wharton Esherick Museum, a photograph of a scale model of the fireplace is included within this lot's published images.

Lot Essay

Designed & built in 1954 by architect Elizabeth Hirsh Fleisher, Tulipwood is a house filled with the endeavors of many local artists. Elizabeth was friends with famed wood sculptor and furniture maker Wharton Esherick, who was recognized in his lifetime by his peers as the “Dean of American Craftspeople." She commissioned Esherick to design and build a custom floor-to-ceiling, undulating fireplace to serve as the visual centerpiece of the home.

The result was this magnificent wall that spans the entire width of the living room and continues its motif outdoors through a glass window. The alluring depth of color is enhanced by the gradients of tapering walnut, poplar and cherry woods. The radial lines draw the eye towards the fireplace keeping the attention to the hearth and heart of the composition.

Three additional lots in this sale from the the Tulipwood property include cabinetry and shelving designed by Esherick for the library as well as wall-mounted cabinets by Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell.

Fireplace slate Wall: 86.75"W x 45.5"H
floor: 86.75"W x 23"D
opening: 42.5"W
Left corner: 35.25" H
Right corner: 32"

Wall Outside: 45.25" W x 105.5"H
Inside: 168.25"W x 125.5"H
Hallway Wall: 20.75"W x 97.5" H
Ceiling: 61" W x 23"D
Above doorway: 61" W x 28"H

Overall very good vintage condition. There is small amount warping/settling to various boards but generally they are tight and fit nicely in the original configuration. There is a small amount scuffing/surface scratching, mostly along the base, as well as some sun fading in small sections. The exterior wood pieces have a darker stain and display more overall wear, although have been protected under an overhang and are also generally in good condition. The slate fireplace surround is in good overall condition, although the floor slab has a fracture, and there is some moderate surface wear as well chips along the edges.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Roger Ward

Vice President, Head of Department, Design

[email protected]312.447.3280

Ward brings over 20 years of deep and wide-ranging design experience to this role. Before joining Freeman’s, he worked in the Design department of a prominent New York-based auction house focused on in 20th-century furniture and design with a particular interest in European furniture from the second half of the 20th century. He also co-owned and operated Full Circle Modern, a successful vintage design store in Brooklyn specializing in furniture from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Mr. Ward also has a broad background in real estate, as an appraiser, broker, rehabber, and investor.

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to enter an already robust Design program with Freeman’s. In the coming years, I look forward to expanding this legacy by continuing to feature Design auctions in Chicago and Philadelphia. We will be looking to curate future auctions based on our existing strengths in 20th-century design by building our presence in the contemporary Design space and strengthening the offerings that explore the connections of Fine Art and Design by introducing present-day artists to the market," commented Roger Ward.

Modern Design

Undulating fireplace wall, 1954

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