1 of 6

Art Deco P.E.L. Cantilever Chrome Sofa, for Odeon Cinemas circa 1930s

$5,167.77List Price

About the Item

An elegant and rare tubular steel modernist sofa attributed to PEL (Practical Equipment Ltd) The chromium plated steel wraps around the back and forms the armrests. It is upholstered in an old neutral textile and is ready for recovering. This sofa was commissioned for the lobby of a series of odeon cinemas opened in the early 1930's, notably the Muswell Hill Odeon, designed by George Coles. This sofa offers a rarely found intact example of British modernism in the golden age of cinema, influenced by the 30s designs of the German Bauhaus and their pioneering work in tubular steel furniture. The frame bears all the hallmarks and design details of Practical Equipment Ltd. It was most likely designed for PEL by either Oliver Bernard or Serge Chermayeff. We offer in-house upholstery and advice on suitable fabrics to complete this sofa's restoration. Price on application. Practical Equipment Ltd, known later simply as PEL, were the leading manufacturers of modernist tubular steel furniture in Britain. Established in Oldbury, near Birmingham the company was formed in 1931 by parent company Tube Investments, who were hoping to emulate the success of Thonet in producing tubular steel furniture. Critically acclaimed designers who worked with PEL included Oliver Bernard, Bruno Pollak and Serge Chermayeff. Design projects of note which featured PEL furniture in the 1930s included the BBC’s Broadcasting House, Wells Coates’ luxury flats at Embassy Court in Brighton, and the De Le Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea.

Attributed to:
Serge Chermayeff (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 35.44 in (90 cm)Width: 74.81 in (190 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Chrome,Steel,Upholstery,Wood
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1930s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Sofa is offered as seen, the upholstery is old, but may not be the originals. We offer in house upholstery services for pieces like this, please get in touch if you wish to see this piece reimagined with a new fabric.
Seller Location:
Edinburgh, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: PEL00011stDibs: LU8487233809632

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1930s Art Deco Sofa

$8,000

H 31 in W 74 in D 33.5 in

1930s Art Deco sofa , Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

Seat Height 47cm

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1930s Art Deco sofa , Czechoslovakia

$1,681

H 31.5 in W 58.27 in D 30.71 in

1930s Restored Art Deco Sofa, Czechoslovakia

Located in Praha, CZ

- Carrefully refurbished - Newly upholstered- walnut finish - can be used with or without pillows - Seat height with pillows is 48cm

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1930s Restored Art Deco Sofa, Czechoslovakia

$5,285

H 32.68 in W 76.38 in D 32.29 in

Art Deco Tulip Sofa, 1930s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Deco settee from the 1940s, featuring a distinctive flared silhouette and sophisticated material contrast. The sculptural frame is accentuated by warm burl wood panels that grace...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Tulip Sofa, 1930s

$3,800

H 29 in W 72 in D 34 in

Danish Art Deco Velvet Serpentine Sofa, 1930s.

By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Fritz Hansen, Skive Møbelfabrik

Located in Asaa, DK

Danish Art Deco Velvet Serpentine Sofa, 1930s. Gorgeous Scandinavian three-seater sofa in green mohair velour upholstery with serpentine front. Made...

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Danish Art Deco Velvet Serpentine Sofa, 1930s.

$2,162

H 30.71 in W 70.48 in D 33.08 in

Art Deco Three-seater club sofa - France, 1930s

Located in London, GB

A sloping back, generous cushioning and curved armrests define this French 1930s Art Deco sofa. Newly reupholstered in a plush long-pile alpaca ...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Art Deco Three-seater club sofa - France, 1930s

$18,471

H 29.14 in W 74.81 in D 35.44 in

Beautiful Danish Art Deco Sofa 1930s in Oak

Located in Handewitt, DE

Danish Art Deco sofa from the 1930s in solid oak and original fabric. Very good quality. In original condition. Note: we can sheaper shipping to y...

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Beautiful Danish Art Deco Sofa 1930s in Oak

$3,183

H 31.5 in W 67.72 in D 25.6 in

Art Deco Sofa Attributed to Maurice Dufrêne, 1930s

By Maurice Dufrêne

Located in Brussels, BE

Art Deco Sofa Attributed to Maurice Dufresne, 1930s

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Silk, Wood

Art Deco Sofa Attributed to Maurice Dufrêne, 1930s

$5,766

H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 27.56 in

Scandinavian Art Deco Sofa in Birch and Sheepskin, 1930s

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Scandinavian Art Deco Sofa in Birch and Sheepskin, 1930s Additional Information: Material: Birch and sheepskin Style: Art Deco, Scandinavian Sofa Dimensions: (W x D x H): 195 x 81 ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Birch

Scandinavian Art Deco Sofa in Birch and Sheepskin, 1930s

$16,517

H 30.32 in W 76.78 in D 31.89 in

Art Deco red lacquered sofa with carved details, 1930s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Cardinal red lacquered Art Deco sofa with finely carved knobs and gold leaf appliqués. Upholstery in generously thick jacquard fabric, worked with fine threads and gold, in excellent...

Category