Does anyone have a McHugh catalogue? This footstool has the characteristic cross pieces but it doesn't look quite right for some reason. Maybe it is because it looks like it was poorly recovered with the leather extending over the tops of the posts? I am not very familiar with McHugh I just know he often designed pieces with the X bracing. If it doesn't sell I may try to go take a look at it. It is in a little town just an hour up the road from me.
I just looked through the McHugh book that covers the museum exhibition call "The Distinction of Being Different" and it looks like almost all of the pieces he designed had the legs cut at the bottom to create "feet" which would indicate this definitely isn't McHugh. Maybe a generic maker that copied his style??
I've only heard of one book on McHugh which is likely the one you're referring to (where did you see this? library? own a copy?) and one eluisive catalog reprint, but I assume both are long out of print. I think a bunch of companies copied the angled cross stretchers, or whatever you want to call them, so this could easily be someone other than McHugh. In a year of searching I've yet to find a good picture of the McHugh shop mark.
I think I mentioned before that the fine arts library at my university is a great source of A&C books etc. That is where I checked out the McHugh book. I can check it out for 6 months at a time since I am a grad student so if you really wanted to see it I might be able to send it to you to scan or whatever. There is one listed on amazon.com right now for like $130. Seems ridiculous. Here is the cover, the shop mark you have been looking for, and the list of publications they give in the book that cover McHugh and his shop.
Ooops almost skipped over this. Thanks for the shop mark picture . In regard to scanning, I'm not desperate for this one so I'll just keep my eyes open on eBay or check online now and then (just checked bookfinder.com - 1 copy for 130 so the same one linked to Amazon) because sooner or later I might get an original for a good price.
. In regard to scanning, I'm not desperate for this one so I'll just keep my eyes open on eBay or check online now and then (just checked bookfinder.com - 1 copy for 130 so the same one linked to Amazon) because sooner or later I might get an original for a good price.
