HOMME CHAIR, DESIGNED 1971

Of the original 1971 edition of 30 examples produced by Xiane & Eric Germain - cast from the original plaster mould by Francken - it has been suggested that approximately only 20 examples were actually produced. In 1988 the form was to be re-edited by Gallery X, Brussels, in an edition of 300 examples, 150 each in black or white, each with stamped edition numbers to the frames. This subsequent re-edition differed from the original cast most noticeably by a reduced definition of detail to the moulding, featured a high-gloss ebonised surface, and was mounted on a tubular steel platform of reduced scale and modified construction.

Jack A. Winter, founder of the eponymously-named Wisconsin sportswear and outdoor clothing manufacturer Jack Winter Inc., held the distinction of having had the courage to commission Salvador Dali to create a range of sports and ski-wear, 1965-1967. Amongst the garments proposed by Dali was a partially-nude ski suit, fitted with sailor collar and supplied with an elaborately carved sceptre. Clearly a collector with an eye for the wit of Surrealism, Winter obtained this example of the 'Homme' chair from his cousin, the noted decorator Richard Himmel, and the work was displayed in his home alongside works by Gabriella Crespi, Raymond Loewy, Fabio Lenci and other celebrated designers of the 1970s international avant-garde.