James Monroe Camp

(American, 1930–2008)

Coffee table, 1967

walnut

etched signature and date to underside 'J Camp 1967'

69½ × 13⅛ × 20 in (177 × 33 × 51 cm)

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Catalog Note

James Monroe Camp was a self-taught, African-American studio woodworker who began his career in response to what he described as "a need for self-expression." After serving as a drill sergeant in the Korean War, Camp settled in Camden, New Jersey, where he opened his first woodworking studio in 1963. He relocated to Philadelphia in 1967, establishing J. Camp Designs—his namesake studio—at 20th and Sansom Street. There, he specialized in custom furniture and sculptural woodwork. Camp’s growing reputation as a leading mid-century woodworker in Philadelphia has earned him recognition alongside renowned figures such as George Nakashima and Wharton Esherick.

Table is sturdy and in overall good vintage condition, reflecting light use. The top is free of stains and major flaws. There are a series of abrasions with minor losses and some paint residue along the edges. There are three butterfly joints along one edge of the table. Please refer to condition photos.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Roger Ward

Vice President, Head of Department, Design

[email protected]312.447.3280

Ward brings over 20 years of deep and wide-ranging design experience to this role. Before joining Freeman’s, he worked in the Design department of a prominent New York-based auction house focused on in 20th-century furniture and design with a particular interest in European furniture from the second half of the 20th century. He also co-owned and operated Full Circle Modern, a successful vintage design store in Brooklyn specializing in furniture from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Mr. Ward also has a broad background in real estate, as an appraiser, broker, rehabber, and investor.

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to enter an already robust Design program with Freeman’s. In the coming years, I look forward to expanding this legacy by continuing to feature Design auctions in Chicago and Philadelphia. We will be looking to curate future auctions based on our existing strengths in 20th-century design by building our presence in the contemporary Design space and strengthening the offerings that explore the connections of Fine Art and Design by introducing present-day artists to the market," commented Roger Ward.

Modern Design

Coffee table, 1967

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup