Tête e Tête Gaming Set by William Westenhaver for Witco, c 1950, Signed

Details

Description

This circa 1950s ornately crafted tête e tête with carved exotic details and soft furry sheepskin are a testament to … Read more This circa 1950s ornately crafted tête e tête with carved exotic details and soft furry sheepskin are a testament to William Westenhaver's modern rustic creations. Influenced by Polynesian natives sculpting their ancestral deities in to wood furnishings, Westenhaver fused his own graphic-design education and modernist artistry in to his designs. Both seats flip up to reveal storage, signed with original Witco label under one seat.

Westenhaver joined forces with Western International Trading Company (WITCO) in 1957 to bring his vision of Polynesian inspired furniture to life. Witco successfully brought the "tiki-fever" found in bars and restaurants of the era, directly into the American home.

This tête e tête is fabricated from red walnut with a distinct wood grain, and embellished with furrows, scrolls, flourishes, emblems and markings, of the Pop Primitivism movement. Being a fan of the movement, Elvis Presley created a "Jungle Room", dressed entirely in Witco furnishings at his Graceland Estate. If you're assembling your own "Jungle Room", inspired by the tropical trend in decor right now, or curating a design scheme that incorporates some whimsey this piece would aptly achieve those notions.

This Exotic Carved Tête e Tête by William Westenhaver for Witco would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Post-Modern, Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office.

MEASUREMENTS:
H 19.5" x W 61" x D 15.5"
Seat Height: 16"

CONDITION:
Excellent restored condition. Wood was refinished with a lacquer coat for long term protection from regular use. Seats were reupholstered with soft sheepskin in a taupe color. See less