High lights: Sotheby’s holds post-war and contemporary sale
Sotheby’s London is renewing its commitment to the promotion of post-war and contemporary design, through a dedicated sale with a particular focus on lights.
The collection features a wealth of big names, including Harry Bertoia, Shiro Kuramata and Marc Newson. Older masterworks, including an Eames screen, a Finn Juhl table and a variety of Hans Wegner chairs, are appropriately contrasted with contemporary standouts – such a grouping of ten chairs by Franz West, adorned with arresting patterns that show the Austrian artist’s propensity for mischief, and a bold, graceful bench by Thomas Heatherwick, produced by forcing a single piece of aluminium through the world’s largest extrusion machine.
The heart of the show is beyond doubt the ‘Switch On’ collection, a curated showing of lighting design from the 1920s to the present day. It starts with hanging lights by Jean Prouvé and Poul Henningsen – whose sculptural forms represent a radical departure from previous years, when light bulbs were considered too precious to obscure. Moving into the midcentury era, the dramatic designs of Italians Gio Ponti and Gino Sarfatti (whose sprawling ‘Spider’ ceiling light cannot be missed) are contrasted with more restrained forms by Alvar Aalto and Charlotte Perriand. Meanwhile, pieces by Ettore Sottsass and Gaetano Pesce nod to late-20th century iconoclasm.
Dominating the contemporary end of the spectrum is the work of lighting designer Ingo Maurer. His ‘Liegendes Ei’ floor light, an exceedingly rare egg-shaped piece which glows with anticipation through its artful cracks, offering a poetic meditation on damage and renewal. Similarly, ‘Moon over Cuba’ and ‘JB Dragonfly’ demonstrate a masterful use of narrative. Adding to the assortment of styles are a tantalisingly intricate ‘Ivy Shadow Chandelier’ by Tord Boontje, a kaleidoscopic found object assemblage by Stuart Haygarth, and the sinuous, sculpted ‘VorteXX’ hanging light by Zaha Hadid and Patrick Schumacher.
In putting together this show, Cécile Verdier, Sotheby’s European head of 20th-century design sought to emphasise both form and function. 'These pieces are not only for collectors and connoisseurs,' she says, 'but also for those who want to live with exceptional objects in their homes.'
INFORMATION
The international post-war and contemporary design sale takes place on 4 November at Sotheby’s
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
TF Chan is a former editor of Wallpaper* (2020-23), where he was responsible for the monthly print magazine, planning, commissioning, editing and writing long-lead content across all pillars. He also played a leading role in multi-channel editorial franchises, such as Wallpaper’s annual Design Awards, Guest Editor takeovers and Next Generation series. He aims to create world-class, visually-driven content while championing diversity, international representation and social impact. TF joined Wallpaper* as an intern in January 2013, and served as its commissioning editor from 2017-20, winning a 30 under 30 New Talent Award from the Professional Publishers’ Association. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he holds an undergraduate degree in history from Princeton University.
-
Oliver Spencer’s winter collection is a lesson in good outerwear
Prepare for sudden temperature drops with Oliver Spencer’s Alpine-inspired winter collection, ‘Postcards from Lech-Zürs’, whereby outerwear – crafted from traditional British fabric – is front and centre
By Jack Moss Published
-
The Volkswagen Passat is a sober, straight edged estate car that feels increasingly out of time
Why would anyone pass on a Passat? Volkswagen’s big load lugger proves that the old ideas are still the best
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Italian designer Enrico Marone Cinzano fuses natural perfection with industrial imperfection
Enrico Marone Cinzano's first solo show at New York’s Friedman Benda gallery debuts collectible furniture designs that marry organic materials with upcycled industrial components
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Rare Carlo Scarpa Venini vase found in a thrift store fetches over $100K at auction
Inside the story of Carlo Scarpa’s ‘Pennellate’ vase for Venetian glass brand Venini, which recently emerged from the most unlikely of places
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Lost Lalanne classics up for sale at Sotheby’s
A series of Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne classics (think apples, donkeys and ginkgo leaves) have been discovered, hidden inside the late couple's workshop, and are up for sale by Sotheby’s on 4 October 2023
By Léa Teuscher Last updated
-
Simon de Pury’s new design auction presents a variety of contemporary works while redefining the auction model
Create! – 21st Century Architecture and Design is an online auction by Simon de Pury, launching on 26 July 2023 and featuring works by the likes of Rick Owens, Ron Arad and Tom Dixon as well as emerging talent
By Mazzi Odu Published
-
Sotheby’s to auction Marie-Antoinette’s armchairs, amid other regal lots, in aid of French château
Sotheby’s Paris will auction works from the collection of interior designer Jacques Garcia in aid of Château du Champ de Bataille
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Artcurial offers cultural case studies on French and Italian design
A duo of sales taking place today at auction house Artcurial present fresh perspectives on French and Italian icons
By Anna Yudina Last updated
-
Zaha Hadid Design’s dog kennel joins a pack of pooch pads in London
By Elly Parsons Last updated
-
Smoke up with Bjarke Ingels and take a dip with Charles Renfro as one-off experiences go under the hammer
By Jessica Klingelfuss Last updated