John Dickinson (American, 1920-1982). Draped side table - galvanized steel and brass, 1972. Signed and inscribed brass plaque on the bottom, right corner of one side is engraved "John Dickinson SUTHERLAND." An imaginative side table by San Francisco designer John Dickinson, one of the 20th century's most exciting designers. While the table's galvanized steel surfaces were modeled to look like it is dressed with draped fabric that cascades and ripples in a supple manner, the piece is actually made from galvanized steel with brass trim. Interestingly, this design was inspired by a tapestry-covered table in Dickinson's apartment. Dickinson has an uncanny way of appealing to our senses and demonstrating the most elite artistry in his works. Size: 29.5" L x 29.5" W x 24.5" H (74.9 cm x 74.9 cm x 62.2 cm)

A similar example is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and was exhibited in "Classic/Fantastic: Selections from the Modern Design Collection" December 21, 2007-April 5, 2009." The Met's curatorial description states that the galvanized surfaces of its table "are molded to simulate the supple draping of fabric, despite being rendered in a rigid material (inspiration came from a tapestry-covered table in the designer's apartment). With its decorative effect and unlikely juxtaposition of material and form, Dickinson's work predates and foreshadows similar experiments in post-modernist design."

Please note: there is a brass plaque on the bottom, right corner of one side that is engraved "John Dickinson SUTHERLAND." David Sutherland established an interior design showroom in Houston during the 1970s, then established the flagship showroom in Dallas, and was the first to bring elite designs from New York City and Los Angeles to Texas - later expanding to Los Angeles, New York, Dania, and Chicago.

Another John Dickinson draped side table hammered for $14,500 at Bonhams & Butterfields on April 18, 2011 - lot #3171. Another hammered for $9500 at Wright Auction, Chicago, Illinois, USA on December 10, 2019 - lot# 115. Another hammered for $7500 at John Moran on June 9, 2021 - lot #132.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: J. Compton Gallery, Wimberley, Texas, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167065

Scattered wear to the galvanized finish and some hazy areas - all typical for this design and how the material responds over time. Tabletop may be removed but still fits snugly. Otherwise the table is in very good condition. Signed and inscribed brass plaque on the bottom, right corner of one side is engraved "John Dickinson SUTHERLAND."