modern design auction – DesignApplause

Modern design auction. Wright.

Mar 26, 2013

wheel-thrown earthenware | gertrud and otto natzler | c1955 |click > enlarge

Featured in this auction is a special collection of ceramics by Otto and Gertrud Natzler. Using clays indigenous to California, Gertrud threw vessels which Otto clothed with monochromatic glazes. Janet Kardon, curator of the American Craft Museum, writes of the Natzlers: “For Gertrud, the pot was an extension of her hand; for Otto, the glazes were the result of a controlled and skillful interaction with chemistry and the vagaries of the kiln.” The Natzlers’ remarkable partnership resulted in over 25,000 vessels and 2,500 glaze formulations. Exceptional among the collection is the Nocturne bottle, a slender, poetic form enhanced by a deep blue and violet glaze (estimate: $20,000-30,000). This example was exhibited in 1971 at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco.

set of six chairs from the tabourettli theatre | santiago calatrava | 1986

Wright’s Modern Design auction opens the 2013 auction season featuring works by the most celebrated designers of the past century. Designs by Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson & Associates, Jean Prouvé and George Nakashima figure prominently in the sale. Highlights include furnishings designed by Santiago Calatrava for the Tabourettli Theater in Basel, Switzerland, an exceptional Swan sofa by Vladimir Kagan and a collection of puzzle sculptures by Miguel Berrocal.

auction > 28 march 2013 | noon CST
preview > 21 > 27 april

Scandinavian design auction. Wright.

Nov 1, 2012

rare sofa | finn juhl | baker | 1951 | click > enlarge

Since 1920, designers from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway have produced forms in natural, tactile materials which rebuff the machine-age industrialism of Bauhaus. A convergence of social transformations, international influences and ancient artistic traditions manifested into new forms which veered away from the classicized, status-driven designs of the past to become a bedrock of modernity.

Crafted of warm woods with a distinct clarity of function and form, Scandinavian design is the most aesthetically consistent and philosophically inclusive design movement of the last century. Its appeal derives primarily from form and material, yet also from the inherent grace, comfort and style of spiritually uninhibited yet formally disciplined design. The Nordic sensibility is seen in the sweeping back and embracing arms of a rare Finn Juhl sofa (estimate: $20,000 – $30,000), upholstered in wool and leather. Its unconventional shape is recognizably Juhl, generous in both spirit and form.

barstools, set of three | piet hein | fritz hansen | 1971

All lots can be previewed online at [ view lots ] or [ catalog ] or in person at Wright, 1440 West Hubbard Street, Chicago. Gallery preview runs 8 > 14 November | 10a > 5p daily and Sunday by appointment. For additional information about the sale, please contact 312.563.0020. [ wright auction ] [ auction begins 15 november noon cst ]

Important design 2011. Wright auction.

Dec 1, 2011

15 december 2011 |12 pm cst | left: harry bertoia | stahr collection

On 15 December Wright concludes the year with our Important Design auction, a bi-annual sale featuring rare and significant works of the 20th century.

Important Design is comprised of a number of works from prominent collectors and distinguished interiors as well as exceptional forms by the 20th century’s leading artists and designers. The sale includes more than two dozen sculptures by Harry Bertoia, including an excellent Gong and an unparalleled selection of sculptures from the Stahr Collection. Italian master, Gio Ponti features prominently in this sale with a selection of works designed for Villa Arreaza, Caracas (1956), one of two complete residential commissions completed by the designer in Venezuela. Modernist Ettore Sottsass is represented with a large collection of rare glass forms, each from a small edition. And finally, a great collection of beautifully crafted works from interiors designed by Samuel Marx, will be introduced to the market for the first time.

two seat sofa | wendall castle

aristea vase | ettore sottsass

Additional highlights include a matched pair of Long chairs by George Nakashima, a mobile by George Rickey and a Stack Pot by Peter Voulkos. Numerous architectural artifacts from Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan buildings and a selection of works by Isamu Noguchi, including a rare bowl, will be sold alongside important works by Gabriella Crespi, Paul Evans, Max Ingrand, Gino Sarfatti, Roger Tallon, Jean Prouvé and other notable designers. Important Design is comprised of the highest quality works of the 20th century.

Important design features nearly 250 works of exceptional design. Each item will be featured in our award-winning, full-color auction catalog as well as presented in our online preview at [ View lots ] Gallery preview will open December 8th and run through December 14th, open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5pm and Sunday by appointment | 1440 West Hubbard Street Chicago | 312 563 0020 [ wright auction ]
[ auction 15 december 2011 | noon cst ]

Mass modern auction. Wright.

Jun 30, 2011

auction 9 july 2011 10 am cst

Wright’s spring 2011 auction season comes to a close with our annual Mass Modern auction on July 9th. This NO RESERVE sale features nearly 500 lots of modern design. From Tank lounge chairs by Alvar Aalto, to Ball wall clocks by George Nelson & Associates, to a Giada decanter by Toni Zuccheri – this sale truly has something for everyone.

Each lot is featured in a specialized, full-color auction catalog [ view catalog online ]. Complete descriptions and images of lots are available online. [ View lots ] Gallery preview runs through July 5th – 8th | 10am – 5pm | with special extended preview hours accompanied by refreshments on July 7th, 5 – 8 pm | 1440 West Hubbard Street Chicago | 312 563 0020 [ wright auction ]

[ Auction 9 July 2011 10 am cst ]

phillips de pury’s sale of design masters..

Dec 14, 2010

emile – jacques ruhlmann, rare “elephant” chair, ca. 1926.

Phillips de Pury’s sale of Design Masters, from Ruhlmann to Newson, takes place on Dec. 15 but several days of open houses have brought prospective buyers to the company’s new quarters at Park Avenue and 50th Street.

Auction 15 December 2010 6pm
450 Park Avenue New York

Viewing 10am-6pm
450 Park Avenue New York

about phil patton

Wright auction. Modern design.

Oct 2, 2010

october 12/2010 — 12pm cst — chicago. preview: 5 – 11 October 2010.

above: sol bloom – scoop setee

above: harry bertoia

above: gio ponti

above: frank gehry – wiggle stool

above: jean prouvé

above: walter dorwin teague – bluebird radio

above: gio ponti – diamond flatware

above: ettore sottsass – naomi bookcase

above: charles & ray eames – ETR