Furniture · Kenyan · Nairobi

Nairobi workshop

1950s–1970s

In the years either side of independence, a handful of joinery workshops in Nairobi's Industrial Area made modern furniture in teak, mahogany and cane for new houses, offices and hotels. Few pieces were marked, and makers are rarely known, but the best of them are made as carefully as anything of their time.

On sale now

In current sales

Lounge chair, c. 1965. Teak and woven cane.
4

Nairobi workshop (1950s–1970s)

Lounge chair, c. 1965

Teak and woven cane · 78 × 68 × 80 cm

Estimate KES 140,000–200,000

KES 70,000to open 34m 45s
Sideboard, c. 1970. Mahogany with brass handles.
9

Nairobi workshop (1950s–1970s)

Sideboard, c. 1970

Mahogany with brass handles · 80 × 200 × 48 cm

Estimate KES 300,000–450,000

KES 150,000to open 44m 45s

Results

Sold at Umber

Pair of armchairs, c. 1962. Mahogany with woven sisal seats.
4

Nairobi workshop (1950s–1970s)

Pair of armchairs, c. 1962

Mahogany with woven sisal seats · Each 76 × 62 × 70 cm

Estimate KES 200,000–300,000

Sold KES 280,000
Writing desk, c. 1968. Teak.
6

Nairobi workshop (1950s–1970s)

Writing desk, c. 1968

Teak · 76 × 120 × 60 cm

Estimate KES 150,000–220,000

Not sold