Felix Harbord Interior

HEIRS - Observations on Provenance: THE DECORATOR, IN THE ...

HEIRS - Observations on Provenance During the Second World War, art treasures from Jewish homes and businesses throughout Europe were confiscated, surrendered or sold under duress. Today, survivors and their heirs are tracking down these lost works and reclaiming them. This initiative, therefore, is a pursuit dedicated to memory. The memory of those who had what was precious to them stolen during the rupture in history known as the Holocaust. : During the last war, Felix Harbord, the interior decorator who helped Lady Bute with the arrangement her family homes, was serving in the Forces and was charged with repatriating works of art. One day, he came upon this chandelier abandoned in one of the streets of Cleves (Germany) and had it packed in empty munitions boxes, which he addressed to No. 6 Charlotte Square. She (Lady Bute) always ensured that the Drawing Room curtains were left open at night, so that passers-by could share her enjoyment in the chandelier's unexpected arrival."

Felix Harbord also appears in a Irish Military archive file regarding the wartime activities of the Hunts. Expert L. Nicholas writes, "The Hunt Military file also contains a letter, dated November 4, 1940/1? from John Hunt to R.A. Masters, Esq, which refers to business dealings with Felix Harbord, a decorator and dealer who worked both in England and Ireland before and after the war."