LONDON.- Christie's rostrum, originally designed and made in the 1700s for James Christie by Thomas Chippendale, has been re-designed by Sir Jony Ive and his team at LoveFrom. It was unveiled today, March 5, in the company headquarters on London's King Street, at the beginning of the 20/21 evening sale to a packed saleroom. This year marks 260 years since the company was founded in 1766.

Over the last 260 years the rostrum has stood central to the most important auction moments in the world. From the first sale which included a pair of sheets, two pillowcases, two chamber pots, and four irons, through revolutions, global and category expansion, records set and broken, it is at the heart of the Christie's brand and the auction world. It was thus only fitting that any evolution of the rostrum acknowledges the integrity of the brand's history and values, while positioning Christie's perfectly for the future.

There was no other choice than Sir Jony Ive, and his exceptional team at LoveFrom to partner with for this project: “Our collaboration with Christie's has been unforgettably special. This has been a wonderfully curious and challenging project requiring so much research and unexpected learning. The original Thomas Chippendale design is masterful and remains rather intimidating.” said Sir Jony. “We have designed a modest object that celebrates craft and material. The purpose of the rostrum is to literally and figuratively elevate the auctioneer, providing a stage for their authority and expertise that proudly carries the Christie's mark.”

He continued: “I share many of the beliefs and values that characterize Christie's… an underlying commitment to excellence, a passion and belief in ingenuity, integrity and the critical importance of beauty.”

Bonnie Brennan, Christie's Chief Executive Officer, said: “The rostrum is at the heart of our business – live auction - and I feel blessed that for our 260th anniversary we can unveil this remarkable object as our legacy for Christie's future. This is a very proud day for everyone at Christie's and I speak for us all in saying how honored we are that Jony, the iconic designer of our time, and his team, agreed to work with us. I'd like to thank him for the care, passion and dedication he and his team have shown Christie's during this exciting project.”

Working with Benchmark, a UK-based team of craftsmen, the rostrum is made of sustainably sourced oak from the same forests that supplied the timber for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, with stainless steel elements. Throughout, Sir Jony has shown reverence for the original design and worked with the Christie's team of auctioneers to understand the many practical considerations for a working tool of the trade which has to hold the auctioneer, be moved and stored easily and can command the saleroom during an auction.

Inspired by the function of the rostrum as a stage, Sir Jony and his team at LoveFrom have taken great care in its design and engineering, working closely with the team at Benchmark in its development and construction.

Sir Jony said: “Steve Jobs spoke about the great cabinet makers caring enough to finish the back of a drawer. Caring about the unseen is a defining characteristic of our work.”