Vintage Restored Post-War Hawaiian Bird and Botanical Airbrush Painting, Framed

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Billy Seay Airbrushed Parrot Lovers artwork (original airbrushed over a print) for the Turner Company, circa 1948, in the original … Read more Billy Seay Airbrushed Parrot Lovers artwork (original airbrushed over a print) for the Turner Company, circa 1948, in the original white painted frame. This a great example of the post-WWII Hawaiian and tropical art/decorating boom. Great for vintage Art Deco dwellings and rattan-inspired rooms. The print is new old stock and has never been displayed until now.

Bill Seay (1922-2012) started his working life as Billy Seay, a child actor, in the late silents and early talkies (“Kid Millions” with Eddie Cantor, “Topaze” with John Barrymore, and “The Unknown” with Lon Chaney and the young Joan Crawford, are the most noted of these films), then followed in his father’s footsteps as an artist, joining the designer Sacha Brastoff in his studio from 1952 to 1959, remaining a life-long friend and co-author of the definitive book on Brastoff’s work, soon striking out on his own as a portrait painter (clients included Judy Garland, Crawford and the ill-fated George Reeves of the Superman series on TV), finally becoming an antiquaire and decorator until his passing at the age of 90." This piece on a soft board was damaged at some point in the past. At the left center (and see corresponding area on reverse, now taped), are cracks in the board which someone attempted to fix. They did a respectable job but it is hardly professional. From a normal viewing distance, the flawed area is kind of lost in the imagery of the bird and flowing flowery background.

1948, United States

Art: 31.5" X 21.5"
Frame: 38.52" X 33"

We only purchase and sell only the best and finest rattan furniture made by the best and most well-known American designers and manufacturers including Ritts Company. (Herb Sr. and Shirley Ritts) Tropitan Seven Seas Rattan Paul Frankl Tropical Sun Rattan These designers and companies helped to popularize rattan furniture in the United States during the 1930s thru the 1960s.

Shirley Ritts was the mother of the photographer and music video director Herb Ritts Jr. Shirley Ritts was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 28, 1920. Herb Ritts Sr. also invented the "S springs" under the cushions in the early 50s and replaced the wrapping with preformed plastic.

Paul Frankl came from New York just before the Depression after a great run designing his renowned Skyscraper furniture line. He designed and decorated the homes of Hollywood’s top stars and producers from his Beverly Hills shop.

Paul Laszló was a Hungarian-born architect and interior designer whose work spanned eight decades and many countries. László built his reputation while designing interiors for houses in the 1950s to 60s, including rattan furniture in his own style.

C.W. Fishbeck started Tropical Sun Rattan of Pasadena in 1905. Tropical Sun produced top quality real rattan furniture in the Philippines where most of the above designers also had their designs made. He had showrooms across the country.

We have in stock at this time a vast array of rattan from all of these designers, decorators, and architects; their sofas, chairs, and tables, and just about all their designed products from the 40s through the 60s.

All refinishing is done by rattan workers with over 30 years of experience. Every wrapping and joint has been inspected by “The Rattan Man” Harvey Schwartz to guarantee you the finest product available, to enjoy for years to come in your home or office. Harvey Schwartz is the leading expert in vintage rattan and the author of "Rattan Furniture: Tropical Comfort Throughout the Home." Signed copies are available on request for $39.99 USD. The hardbound 160-page full-color book details the fascinating History of rattan with photos of wonderful vintage and modern-day tropical décors and rattan. The book is great for any newcomer to rattan wanting to learn as well as a top resource for dealers and designers alike. See less