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Help ID possible 'Winnipeg Chair' of A.J. Donahue  

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missmegan
(@missmegan)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 5
04/03/2012 7:44 pm  

We recently picked up a chair from an estate sale that we believe is an A.J. Donahue, 'Winnipeg Chair'. We love mid-century modern furniture, but are very green behind the ears as to how to spot a fake. I have done some online research and have not been able to come up with any information if these chairs sport a marking of sorts that would indicate a real 'original' or a replica. With the pictures posted, is anyone able to ascertain if it is real or a replica? I can send pictures accordingly. Thank-you.
http://s1248.photobucket.com/albums/hh497/missmmegan/


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Pegboard Modern
(@davidpegboardchicago-com)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 1303
04/03/2012 8:10 pm  

I like the nick-name
"Canadian Coconut" and I like that design as well.
To my knowledge there were not knock-offs of this design and from your photos it looks pretty clear that it is a vintage chair and therefore an original.


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missmegan
(@missmegan)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 5
04/03/2012 8:13 pm  

Thank-you 'Pegboard Modern'!...
Thank-you 'Pegboard Modern'! We're looking forward to contacting a local restorer to see about re-upholstering and if this hurts the value.


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glassartist
(@glassartist)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 902
04/03/2012 8:17 pm  

If you
google image search "Canadian coconut chair" you will find many examples to compare. I have actually never heard of them called Winnipeg, which I am guessing is their proper name, no? The more derogatory "Canadian coconut" is the common usage name, at least here in the U.S.
Damm peg, you beat me to it by moments.


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missmegan
(@missmegan)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 5
04/03/2012 8:20 pm  

Thanks! Yes, the 'actual'...
Thanks! Yes, the 'actual' name of the chair I believe to be the 'Winnipeg' chair, as this design was manufactured in A.J. Donahue's basement (in Winnipeg) with the help of some architect students. Here in Canada, it is also referred to as the 'Canadian Coconut'! I've found lots of pictures, just nothing on the markings. We believe it to be real, however just surprised to have located one locally as it was a limited run of 150 ever made. (Needless to say, we're pretty happy).


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Nicktique
(@cnicholsonnorthpark-edu)
New Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 3
31/03/2012 10:26 am  

Correction
Greetings...I'm researching this example of A.J. Donahue's work, and can provide some further information.
First, the chair you found is an original. Congrats - it's a nice find.
Second, there were thousands of these chairs manufactured. It's an attractive urban myth that posits just a couple hundred were made. In fact, the chairs were sold through department stores throughout Canada until the mid-1970s.
Third, there appear to have been five (5) variations of the chair over the 25-30 years they were made.
I'd love to get the dimensions of your chair so I can add it to the research database.
Again, nice find.
Chris


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