CHICAGO, IL.- On May 20,
Hindman Auctions will present its biannual Modern Design sale, which will feature iconic designers who played a crucial role in defining 20th century design. The auction will celebrate the work of renowned designers including Finn Juhl, Eileen Gray, Martin Szekely, Mira Nakashima, Warren Platner, and Paul Evans.
Scandinavian Design will be showcased with classic and illustrious ceramics and furniture by Wilhelm Kåge, Berndt Friberg, Gunnar Nylund, Bruno Mathsson, and Arne Jacobsen. Prominent Italian design will include works by Ettore Sottsass, Alfredo Barbini, and Angelo Lelii. The sale will also offer an extraordinary selection of studio ceramics and glass by artists Ruth Duckworth, Clyde Burt, Sonja Blomdahl, Steven Weinberg, and Christopher Ries.
The auction will spotlight remarkable French design, including work by multidisciplinary artist Guy de Rougemont. Rougemont has gained global recognition for his whimsical and colorful works that often are experimental while still maintaining functionality. Rougemont’s Golden Clover coffee table (lot 183; estimate: $15,000-20,000) from 2013 is a standout lot from Galerie Diane de Polignac in Paris. Additional notable French works include designer Martin Szekely’s Theater Console (lot 185; estimate: $15,000-20,000). Known for his versatility and precision, Szekely has worked on everything from residential furniture to public commissions to product design and has partnered with outstanding clients including Hermès, Valli & Valli, Heineken, JCDecaux, Transel/Electricité de France (EDF), and Dom Perignon. The work of French designers Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo, and Mathieu Matégot will also be featured.
Modern American design also has a strong presence in the auction. Highlights from the category include Philip and Kelvin LaVerne’s Spring Festival console table made of etched, patinated, and polychromed bronze, and pewter and the duo’s Chan center/dining table (lot 114 and 110; estimates are $8,000-10,000 and $6,000-8,000 respectively). Their low table and coffee table are also expected to draw significant interest (lots 115 and 111; estimates are $3,000-5,000 each). The LaVernes were known for creating limited edition pieces by combining unique methods with ancient motifs, which is illustrated in the selection in this sale. Mira Nakashima’s console table and coffee table are two other excellent works (lots 96 and lot 108; estimates are $6,000-8,000 and $5,000-7,000 respectively). Four works by distinguished designer Warren Platner will also be included in the sale, including a lounge chair and ottoman (lot 79; estimate: $3,000 - $5,000) and a set of five dining chairs (lot 93; estimate: $3,000-$6,000). Other top American designers featured include Karl Springer, Vladimir Kagan, and Cedric Hartman.
Bidding for the May 20 sale begins at 10 am CT. Bidders will be able to participate via absentee bid, by phone, or live online through the Digital Bid Room, Hindman’s recently launched online and mobile bidding platform. A private preview of the auction will be available at Hindman’s Chicago office by appointment only.
