Furniture design drawings by Saul Ratner, 192--193-?

PXD 1316
PXD 1317

fonds

ca.1920s-1930s

Graphic Materials, Design Drawings

910414

approx. 101 design drawings - chiefly pencil on tracing paper - approx. 77 x 104 cm. or smaller

J. Ratner & Co. Pty. Ltd. was begun by Joseph Ratner, grandfather of the donor, David Ratner. Joseph Ratner "was born in Russia, lived in England & America, married an English girl, came to Australia in 1904, lived in Annandale, began firm c.1911, built factory himself." Two of Joseph's four sons, Saul (1900-1980) (David Ratner's father), and Harry, worked for the firm. David described Saul and Joseph as a "master craftsmen, real artists who made very fine furniture ... Did work for local churches. Also ANZ Bank, Newtown, Catholic Church, Manly, St Thomas's, Lewisham, synagogues. Grace Bros was one of their major clients. In earlier days used cedar, Queensland maple and mahogany. Later used mainly coachwood. Production stopped last year. Ratner's designed furniture in Egyptian Room of Royal Scottish Arch Temple, College St, Sydney - the temple has since been demolished, but the room was re-erected at Canterbury Rd, Petersham (c.1977)". The firm's archives were presented to the Library following the sale of the factory and family home -- notes by Field Librarian from information supplied by donor, on ML correspondence file, 28/10/1981.

A photograph of the Ratner family home (located next door to the factory site at 28-30 Camden Street, Newtown), was published in Robertson, R., "New World in inner-City", Sydney Morning Herald 28 January 1982.

PXD 1316

Approx. 16 furniture design drawings and plan titled "St Thomas Church confessionals", signed "Hennessy & Hennessy Architects" at lower right (ink on tracing paper, damaged). Includes 1 photograph of chest of drawers and chair.

PXD 1317 / Folders 1-3

Approx. 85 pattern drawings and design details for furniture. Chiefly pencil on tracing paper; also pencil, ink or wash on paper, waxed linen or card. Approx. 77 x 104 cm. or smaller. Many sheets are badly damaged with extensive tears and losses. Most are untitled, unsigned and undated. Includes one drawing titled "Proposed furniture for [Lodge?] Helensburgh No. 566", dated 10/5/29; wardrobe design; design for unidentified library; full size detail of pews for St Thomas Church, Lewisham (pencil & wash, undated; damaged: extensive tears); perspective view of bedroom suite, "Grace Bros 9/5/32" on verso (ink & wash on card; damaged: extensive tears); "Proposed arrangement of council chamber" (location not identified).

This pictorial material is part of J. Ratner & Co. Pty. Ltd. records, 1911-1978 at MLMSS 3911