Vintage 50s Cherner "Scandal" Preztel Plycraft Chair
This is the original "SCANDAL" Chair. Here are two links to the proper history of this chair and to the "Cherner Plycraft Pretzel" chair generally. Most of the heavier, often padded "Cherner Pretzel" Chairs being sold are from a restart in the 1980s. They are fab chairs but NOT vintage 50s mid-century. See this link for true history of all these chairs: http://rosabeltrandesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-iconic-pretzel-chair-and-whole.html See this link for association of MY chair with Norman Rockwell: http://blog.dwr.com/2012/08/28/rockwell-and-cherner-or-how-a-commercial-illustrator-created-a-mid-century-icon/ Provenance. The label on this chair identifies it as a "Bernardo" scandal chair and thus produce in the 50s from the original George Nelson design. This chair came from my Aunt's estate. She was the manager of the famous RIT Shop One for 9 year during the RIT arts and crafts renaissance. She was cutting edge, so this is likely a very early chair. This chair is laminated solely from old-growth mahogany. It was said these chairs were not sturdy enough so the design was terminated by Cherner early in the 60s. However, before I cleaned this one up to what you see, the arms of this chair were blackened by body oil, showing it was sat upon by my aunt regularly for many years. The chair is in very good shape and all original down to the plastic "feet", except for the screws that hold the arms to the backrest, which were missing when I got it. The original screws are easily found via restoration hardware. This chair is the real thing, can be worked back to near perfect condition, already looks great, and is true vintage 50's mid-century modern.
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Jonathan Walkey is retired professional furniture maker who now makes selected pieces for discriminating clients. I am a one man studio, specializing in decorative arts and crafts, mid-century, Greene & Green, etc. furniture. my own personal style generally includes contrasting hardwoods with beautiful grains and hand worked inlays. In between commissions I simultaneously work on personal studio furniture projects.
I was raised in Lincoln Massachusetts where my father was the director of the DeCordova Museum of modern art. My mother worked as an expert in fine crafts and furniture . I attended many arts and crafts classes and summer art camps at the Museum. I was trained as a silversmith at age 11 and at age 12 built a 10 foot kayak made of wood and canvas. I was a U.S. Navy trained aviation mechanic and earned my living for 15 years as a master mechanic, working mainly on motorcycles. I am also a former carpenter, criminal appellate attorney, credentialed teacher, professional writer, and painter.
Today I apply my talents and interests to building fine arts and craft furniture. My lifelong continuing education combines training of the mind with training of the hands. What you buy from Jonathan is fine art as well as heirloom quality furniture built to last many lifetimes. These qualities are reflected in the cost of my work, neither of which should ever be compared with that of commercial furniture.
- JS
Judy Stitts
For Solid Red Oak Mission Style Desk5.0We asked Jonathan Walkey to create an oak dining table to accomodate bench seating based on his excellent reviews. We feel fortunate that he accepted our request. The magnificent piece is the center of our home with family and guests gathered round it enjoying the inclusive comfort of the corner it occupies. Jonathan's creation exceeded our expectations! His craftsmanship and integrity make him and his creations a one-of-a-kind experience. Thank, Jonathan!
- PA
Peggy and Alan Frank
For Scott's "Mittens And Slippers" Jatoba Coffee Table5.0We have just received the coffee table that Jonathan Walkey made for us. It is beautiful…exactly what we requested and perfect for our space! We really appreciate the way Jonathan kept us posted on his progress and the pictures he sent as he worked on the table. We are grateful for his excellent craftsmanship, reasonable price, honest opinions and prompt delivery. If we need any more pieces, we'd love to work with him in the future.
Peggy and Alan Frank - LJ
Larry Jankauski
For Mission style craft/work table5.0This was my first experience commissioning a custom piece of furniture to be built, and I feel fortunate to have found Jonathan to handle the project, a crafting desk with large work surface for my wife. Working with Jonathan was a pleasure from start to finish – communication was excellent, he kept us up-to-date with frequent e-mail and pictures, accommodated all requirements (and changes) yet provided helpful recommendations based on his experience (also helping educate me on choice of wood and stain), and personally delivered and completed final assembly of the unit in my wife’s workshop. Jonathan is a meticulous craftsman and conscientious professional, and just an overall really nice guy to work with. The final result is beautiful, and my wife is very pleased with her new work desk, using it daily for her crafting and card making. I would not hesitate to recommend Jonathan, and certainly use him again for any future work. Thanks Jonathan!
- I
Ibi
For Teepe table base5.0I absolutely love my custom table. Jonathan went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations. He allowed my to be a specific as I wanted and was a great communicator throughout the project. I definitely picked the right maker. His expertise, craftsmanship and finishing touches are something I highly recommend. Thank you Jonathan for making my first CustomMade™ project a great experience!
JSJordan Stolper
For Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Three-Drawer Desk4.8Jonathan is a master. The desk he made for us is absolutely stunning. We are thrilled beyond words with the quality and finish. I expect to have this desk for years to come. Delivery was seamless. He ran a little behind schedule but communicated well along the way. It was worth the wait. Thanks Jonathan!
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