1929 Sofa & Chairs

This suite with its matching pair of chairs was designed in 1929 by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the Viceroy's House in New Delhi. They were destined for one of the bedrooms in the private suites in the main wing of the building. There is, however, some question as to whether the pieces survive today, or indeed if they were ever made.
The base and frieze are crafted from either walnut, cherry or oak, and typify the architect's love of geometric devices. A significant feature is the use of the 'Delhi Bell' as a point of support for each seat. The bell motif was an important element in Lutyens's designs for New Delhi and was used in many different contexts, most particularly as an integral part of what is now known as the Delhi Order.
The use of the bell, a silent bell incapable of ringing, was no idle selection as Indian tradition encompasses the belief that dynasties fell to the sound of pealing bells. If the bell cannot ring, therefore, the dynasty can never fall.




© Candia Lutyens Copyright of all images and designs on these pages remains in the Lutyens family and may not be reproduced without permission.