LOS ANGELES, CA.- Bonhams’ Design Department announced it will be offering select works from the collection of Los Angeles interior designer Cliff Fong at Bonhams Los Angeles on March 14. As the principal for design firm Matt Blacke, co-owner of Galerie Half, and owner of new garden and outdoor inspired showroom Faire du Vert, Fong has made a name for himself in the global design community for his carefully considered approach to interiors. His influence and reputation are the result of 20 years of dedicated traveling, exploration and sourcing to find exceptional works for his clients. For every interior he designs, Fong achieves an aesthetic that feels collected yet relaxed, exemplified by the thoughtful curation of his own abode. The 1953 ranch-style house in central Los Angeles includes pieces by many of the most legendary names in 20th century design, including works by Serge Mouille, Alexandre Noll, Charlotte Perriand, Gio Ponti, and Jean Royère. Bonhams will be offering a substantial portion of Fong’s home interior, as well as pieces collected for friends and clients in a 150-lot sale.
Approaching design as a holistic discipline, Fong is revered for pairing important 20th Century furniture, fine art, and vintage finds to create environments with a precise subtlety rooted in the strength of their vision. Despite building his interiors with museum-level works of design, Fong manages to strike a balance between taste and comfort for his clients. The high-low mix is integral to his design process, ensuring that his homes are both liveable and alive.
“I’m excited to have any opportunity to explore new territory, even though it took a lot of time and thought to get my head around parting with some of my favorite pieces and the layers of memories associated with them,” commented Cliff Fong. “However, I am looking forward to redefining how I live and how I might engage a new set of aesthetic values. I will always stay close to historically important work and work of a similar quality.”
The forthcoming sale will include Fong’s personal collection of art and design as he embarks on a new challenge creatively and philosophically. Presented in the sale are iconic pieces of mid-century design including a wooden cabinet by Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) and Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) estimated at $50,000 – 70,000, a Buffet from Cité Cansado by Perriand estimated at $30,000 – 50,000, a Director’s Desk by Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) estimated at $30,000 – 50,000, and various lighting fixtures by Serge Mouille (1922-1968). Contemporary designers are also strongly represented, with pieces such as an early edition of Faye Toogood’s (b. 1977) Roly-Poly Chair, estimated at $15,000 - 25,000, Marcel Wanders’ (b. 1936) Fishnet Chairs, estimated at $4,000 - 6,000, and Gaetano Pesce’s (b. 1939) UP5 Chair and UP6 Ottoman, estimated at $2,000 - 3,000.
In addition to the superlative design pieces in the auction, works from Cliff’s personal collection by artists such as Raymond Pettibon (b. 1957), Marcel Dzama (b. 1974), Wolfgang Tillmans (b. 1968), Mark Grotjahn (b. 1968), and Lita Albuquerque (b. 1946) will also be included.
Capping off the stellar selection is Fong’s personal vintage Aston Martin with the original “British racing green” color that neatly contrasts the saddle interior. The 1982 Aston Martin V8 Saloon will be offered through private sale.
“After knowing Cliff for many years, I’ve seen the dedication he brings to every client’s home,” commented Jason Stein, Bonhams Director of Modern Decorative Art + Design, based in Los Angeles. “It’s obvious he brings the same commitment - if not more - to his own home that he has so thoughtfully designed. It’s an incredible opportunity for us to present iconic designs that have been carefully sourced and curated by such an influential designer like Cliff.”
