1970s Howard Keith Helmsdale vintage original modular corner sofa and armchair (HK Designs)

FOR SALE. An extremely rare vintage original Howard Keith Helmsdale modular corner sofa and armchair in especially commissioned zebra pattern velour upholstery, which is most unusual for a Helmsdale (the zebra fabric was more often used for the HK Diplomat sofa as confirmed by Howard Keith themselves).

Offered for sale on behalf of a private client.

The sofa comprises 3 sections: 1 seat with left arm, curved corner unit, 2 seat unit with right arm
Plus separate armchair
Reversible cushions.

On seeing this Helmsdale sofa and chair the retired Chairman of Howard Keith who worked at the factory for many years commented:  “Oh boy! Helmsdale (originally called L’Alouette but almost immediately changed to Helmsdale) was designed by John Home in the 1970s. With elegant, slender lines, extremely comfortable. The cushions are reversible, filled with a combination of synthetic fleece and foam. The zebra pattern fabric, from Germany, was exclusive to HK in the UK. It was very unusual to have this fabric on the Helmsdale. It was more famous for its use on the Diplomat”.

In 1977 HK supplied Helmsdale 2 seater sofas and chairs upholstered in silk for the Royal Train.

So all in all, a rather rare set which would be a statement piece for a retro styled home, or an on-trend bar or hotel lobby.

Condition:
Age related wear to the arm rest corners. No rips or tears.
Cushions are a little flat from years of use but could be re-stuffed quite easily if desired.
Couple of stains on cushions (see photos) but as the cushions are reversible one could hide easily by using the other sides
The left back seat is slightly sunken.
Could use a light clean.

Only two owners since the 1970s.
The sofa set could do with a little TLC but it’s design and pure rarity is a great investment.

We have sold many HK sofas over the last few years – they are highly sought after and get snapped up very quickly.

How we work for items such as these:-
We act as an agent connecting buyers and sellers.
We have not seen the goods in person.
We take no responsibility for the good themselves – we simply negotiate and introduce buyer and seller.
Once agreed, we collect payment from the buyer on behalf of the seller, then we release the address and contact details for you to arrange collection, and hold the monies until you have arranged collection. Once collected we then pass on payment to the seller.
This item may not meet contemporary fire safety standards which were introduced after this item was made.
You may also want to consider recovering or reupholstery.

Check out our other Howard Keith vintage furniture >