Design 
9 June 2016
Samuel Marx, pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House - Image 1 of 3
Samuel Marx, pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House - Image 2 of 3
Samuel Marx, pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House - Image 3 of 3
Design 
Samuel Marx, pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House - Image 1 of 3
Samuel Marx, pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House - Image 2 of 3
Samuel Marx, pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House - Image 3 of 3
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Samuel Marx

pair of lounge chairs from the Morton D. May House

USA, 1940
white oak, upholstery, chrome-plated brass 39 h × 36 w × 27 d in (99 × 91 × 69 cm)
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $12,500
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provenance: Morton D. May, Ladue, MO | David B. Lichtenstein | Thence by descent
literature: Ultramodern: Samuel Marx, Architect, Design, Art Collector, O'Brien, ppg. 134-143 discuss commission, ppg. 140-141 illustrates one example in situ

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Samuel Marx

Works from the Morton D. May House

The Morton D. May House designed by Samuel Marx in 1940 stood out as an icon of international style and modernism. Located in an affluent neighborhood in Ladue, Missouri, the home featured a flat roof and asymmetrical plan. Its interior showcased furnishings with clean modern lines, luxurious amenities (the first private residence to have central air conditioning) as well as a plethora of art including paintings by Maurice Freedman.

Morton D. May, also known as Buster, was the chairman of the May department stores. He hired his uncle Samuel Marx to design his home and interior, giving Marx carte blanche for the project. With bespoke furnishings and objects designed by and selected by Marx, the residence was complete work of art and stands as Marx’s most iconic commissions. 

The Morton D. May House was demolished in 2005. The following nineteen lots come from the original interior.

One example from this pair illustrated in situ. Chicago History Museum, HB-07051F; Hedrich-Blessing Photographer


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