With the Design Museum on the verge of opening its sparkling new West London doors, there's an autumn design buzz in London at the moment. Coinciding with this is another celebration of international design in the capital, Sotheby's ‘Design’ – the second edition of the house's relaunched design-centric sale (last year's was the first in half a decade) and a preceding exhibition at its New Bond Street space.
Following editions hosted in New York and Paris earlier this year, 'Design' London takes place on Tuesday 15 November, offering up a expansive list of 173 pieces. Exhibiting the products from tomorrow, the roster features 20th century pieces that span the classic and contemporary, functional and abstract, spending significant effort honing in on postmodern Scandinavian design with highlights from Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and Peder Moos.
’Wall-mounted Chest’ by Gio Ponti, 1959
These minimalist masterpieces stand alongside Gio Ponti silhouettes from the 1930s–60s; whimsical Ron Arad chairs; and experimental forms from Italian stalwarts Ettore Sottsass and Andrea Branzi.
'Just like the city itself, our London "Design" sale is developing its own unique character,' says Laetitia Contat-Desfontaines, Sotheby's head of 20th century design sales. 'Exciting new initiatives such as the inaugural [London] Design Biennale at Somerset House and the fantastic new home for the Design Museum are putting design at the forefront of the cultural life of the city.'
’Monumental Bookcase’ by Ico Parisi
Contemporary lots include a marble table by Marc Newson, Studio Job’s playful 'Bottle Rack’, and clay sculptures by Maarten Baas, while extra special Picasso ceramics and Zaha Hadid prototypes show the team have most styles covered for discerning collectors.
‘Design’ follows an impressive display of David Bowie’s extensive art and design collection, marking a nuanced and successful stream of shows at the auction.
Left, five ’Klismos Model no. 5’ chairs by TH Robsjohn-Gibbings. Right, ’Gothic’ mirrored cabinet by Gabriella Crespi
Left, monumental ’Spade Form’ vase by Hans Coper, 1970. Right, ’Loop Loop’ chair by Ron Arad, 1992
Desk by Arne Jacobsen, 1952
A pair of ’Onkel-Stühle (Uncle Chairs)’ by Franz West
'Surface Table' prototype by Terence Woodgate and John Barnard, 2008
’9 Arm Wall/Ceiling Light’ by Angelo Lelii, 1950
'Daybed' by Peder Moos, 1944
INFORMATION
’Design’ takes place at Sotheby’s on 15 November. For more information, visit the Sotheby’s website
ADDRESS
Sotheby's
34–35 New Bond Street
London W1S 2RT
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