1960s Monumental Bronze "Wedding Dance" Coffee Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne

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Monumental Mid-Century Philip and Kelvin LaVerne T'ang Marriage Coffee Table, also referred to as the Wedding Dance table, etched bronze, … Read more Monumental Mid-Century Philip and Kelvin LaVerne T'ang Marriage Coffee Table, also referred to as the Wedding Dance table, etched bronze, USA c. 1965.

Rare and important example by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. This table features an acid-etched signature to the top 'Philip + Kelvin LaVerne' as well as a partial original paper manufacturer's label to underside 'Philip LaVerne Galleries Ltd.'. A functional piece of artwork by the father and son design duo. Their work has been steadily increasing in value over the past 5-10 years.

Made in USA, Etched, Patinated, and Polychromed Bronze, Pewter

Literature: Sculpture II Bronze and Pewter Tables: The Art of Philip LaVerne, studio catalog, pg. 3 illustrates decoration

Philip (1907-1987) and Kelvin (b. 1936) LaVerne were a renowned father-and-son artistic duo from New York. They are highly regarded for their unique approach to furniture design, which blurred the lines between functional objects and fine art.

Philip LaVerne studied under the Ashcan School painter John Sloan at the Art Students League of New York. Kelvin LaVerne majored in metal sculpting and furniture design at the Parsons School of Design and also studied at the Art Students League.

Beginning in the late 1950s, they collaborated to create custom, limited-edition pieces, primarily in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter. They were known for innovative metalworking techniques, including a distinctive process that involved burying hand-carved bas-relief slabs of bronze and pewter in a special soil and chemical mixture for six weeks to achieve unique, antiqued patinas.

Their designs often incorporated historical and cultural motifs, drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations, mythology, and chinoiserie. While Philip focused on the materials and decorative elements, Kelvin concentrated on the overall form and functionality of their pieces. They opened a showroom on East 57th Street in New York City, where their work gained significant acclaim.

After Philip's death in 1987, Kelvin continued to create pieces, sometimes under both their names, maintaining the legacy of their collaborative work. Their furniture is highly sought after by collectors for its artistic expression and innovative design. See less