1930S Modernist Cantilever Famulus Armchair

1930s Modernist Cantilever Famulus Chair by P.E Gane

A bentwood  'Famulus' chair, designed by J.P. Hully and made by P.E. Gane Ltd of College Green, Bristol, circa 1930.

PE Gane Ltd was apparently inspired by a visit from leading modernist proponent Marcel Breuer in the early 1930s and decided to turn its attention to producing modernist furniture from the Arts & Crafts movement. The 'Famulus' chair is formed by the intersection of highly inflated steam bent curves. The cantilevered base is the perfect partner for the fine beech arcs, offering a beautiful design with a lightness of form.

This one survives in fine order – the cantilever is working fine with no splits or cracks to the frame. We have day to day marks to the frame but nothing nasty. We have added new filling to the fitted upholstery ensuring that it's comfortable and ready to place. The material is a classic mid green looped boucle, again in fine order with no holes etc.

A super 1930s Modernist armchair.

Dimensions - Overall: Height 82cm x Width 63cm x Depth 81cm

Dimensions - Specifically the Seat: Height to Cushion Top 43cm x Width between the arms 48-44cm (Front-Rear) x Depth 43cm

Billy Hunt has successfully focused on British furniture and lighting since 2012 and always has an interesting ever changing selection of carefully chosen pieces from the early 1800s to late 1970s. Our base is a large Victorian 2 storey red brick barn on a wonderful traditionally run country estate in Staffordshire. We are able to offer a first class upholstery service and also assistance in interior design if requested.

Our extensive client base covers: the celebrated, interior designers, film companies and ladies and gentlemen like us who enjoy our professional, friendly and knowledgeable approach. If you wish to visit just give us a call or email.

When purchasing from us we include delivery in the purchase price which is based on a one person delivery for England and Wales. Please call or email for quotes to Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isles and for World-wide shipping. 

For any large items that require two people to lift the item, we ask that you are available at the time of delivery to be able to give our shipper a lift off the van and into your house with the item.  If you are not able to lift items yourself, we ask that you have someone on hand at the time of delivery to assist our shipper with moving the item. We are happy to quote for a two person delivery if required.

If in any doubt and /or wish to discuss a piece then please give us a call 01283 617377 / 07768 266266