Spun metal chair draws attention
Thomas Heatherwick's new functional art chair "Spun" is a life-size top bringing new life to the static chair with a spin. Heatherwick's series of chairs are currently showing at Haunch of Venison in London. The technology of spun metal - derived from timpani drum construction - is now applied to furniture.
Photo: courtesy of Haunch of Venison
Phillips de Pury outsells Sotheby’s in design sales
Sotheby’s held its Fine 20th Century Design sale in London on the 28th April with limited success. The sale raised £576,750, selling only 47 out of the 87 lots on offer, with very few large ticket items. The Phillips de Pury Design sale on 30th April raised considerable more - £2,561,150 from a 168 lot auction. The highlight of the sale of a Mark Newson “Lockhead” chair for £1.1 million, well above its £500,000 – 700,000 estimate.
Christie’s held their 20th Century Decorative Art and Design auction in London on 7th April 2009. Marc Newson continued to lead the Contemporary Design scene with a sale of his Pod of Drawers, designed in 1987 and executed in 1999. The piece went for £361,250, well above its estimate of £150,000 - £250,000.
Christie’s Images Ltd. 2009
For the first time ever, 20th-century design and applied arts were shown at TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) Maastricht, demonstrating the increasing profile and respect for design. The fair, held in March 2009, hosted a new section which consisted of seven exhibitors, five of them new to the fair. Designers showcased included George Nakashima, Naum Slutzky, Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Axel Einar Hjort.
