The late Tobias Jellinek.
After more than 50 years in the trade, in 2009 he published Early English Chairs and Seats from 1500-1700 which grouped chairs, stools and benches according to type.
Here is a tribute written by a collector who knew him.
After Summerhill School in Suffolk, whose free-thinking ethos suited him, Toby left for France and the village of Vallauris where he was a painter and artist, and, remarkably, designed and made two chairs for Picasso, who lived opposite his studio.
From Vallauris he moved to Paris, where he continued to paint and developed an interest in early antiques. He curated the collection of early works of art of the publisher of fine books, Maurice Darantiere, and began to deal at antiques markets.
It was in Paris that he met Dot, and when they had returned to England he took a shop in Notting Hill and then in Kensington Church Street.
My association with him began in 1980 when I bought from him, by then in Brompton Road, a good refectory table. This led to my viewing and attending many oak sales with him. What a revelation to me, a fairly novice collector.
Most of the lots were instantly dismissed with a cry of “first period Wardour”, “over restored”, “new stretcher” or “poor colour!”
It was a fortunate day when we might find even one lot to chase in a 500-lot sale.
His knowledge, after 60 years of oak dealing, was phenomenal, as witnessed by the publication by ACC of his English Early Chairs and Seats from 1500 to 1700, a beautifully illustrated work of great charm and erudition.
Above all, however, he was devoted to Dot, his children and grandchildren.
A great friend, he is sadly missed.
From MLH (friend)
