Stool

Designed by Gordon Russell
(1892-1980)

Oak, with original leather seat
22 1/2 in (57.2 cm) x 18 1/2 in (47 cm) x 13 1/4 in (33.5 cm)
English (Broadway), 1926

MARKED:
'THIS PIECE OF FURNITURE design No. 442 [in ink] was made throughout in The Russell Workshops Broadway, Worcestershire.  Designer: Gordon Russell  Foreman: Edgar Turner  Cabinet Maker: E. Darley [in ink]  Metal worker:  --  Timber used: English Oak [in pen]  Date: 30/9/26 [in ink]' - printed label under base.

Gordon Russell was introduced to old English furniture, from what he called ‘the age of handwork’ (Furniture,1947), while working as a boy in his father’s workshop, repairing pieces for use in his hotel, The Lygon Arms, Broadway. This youthful exposure left an indelible mark on his early development, specifically on his appreciation of vernacular forms and traditional materials.

The exquisite design and fine craftsmanship of the present stool exemplifies the quality of the earlier furniture emanating from Russell's workshop.