VERNON MACFARLANE (20th Century) A SET OF FOUR HOLLYWOOD REGENCY STYLE MIRRORED, PAINTED, AND GLAZED POLISHED BRASS OBELISK FORM VITRINE / DISPLAY CABINETS FOR EL MOROCCO, NEW YORK CIRCA 1931, the teal blue painted polished brass cabinets of obelisk form with gilt bronze scrolled leaf and pineapple finials over bevel edged mirrored caps, with trapezoidal mirrored sides and glazed brass framed hinged door, the interior fitted with padded upholstered inserts lining, over mirrored stepped base, three with etched name plates ("Cartier, Inc.," "Fournier, CUSTOM COSMETICS," and "Di Pino, TAILORS") raised on two metal spheres to the front and two half spheres to the back, on cube form mirrored plinths with brass framing, the right sides with hinged access door, raised on carved gilt wood paw feet. Height: 80 5/8" Width: 20" Depth: 12 1/2" NOTE: Designed to emulate a shimmering desert oasis, the famed El Morocco opened it's doors at 154 E. 54th Street in October 1931 (two years before the end of Prohibition). Designed by Vernon MacFarlane, the interior was fitted with large banquets upholstered in blue and white faux zebra stripes, white painted cacti and palm trees with translucent cellophane fronds, Venetian lamps, white painted Rococo style mirrors, and Moroccan grillwork all underneath a dark blue painted "sky" fitted with thousands of twinkling white lights. An immediate success, El Morocco became the favorite haunt of the rich and famous of stage, screen, industry, the Arts, and society. Provenance: El Morocco Nightclub, New York, New York

Repainted, the interior lining renewed with traces of original tan velvet fabric, the cabinets fitted with non-functioning electrical switch and electrical lead, crazing along edges of glazed panels.

Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."