CHICAGO, IL.- Wright announced Lawrence Laske: Design Studio and Collected Works, an online-only auction taking place on October 24, 2014 at 12 PM CT. Comprised of nearly 200 lots with estimates ranging from $100 – 70,000, this auction is accessible to beginning collectors and design aficionados alike. Proceeds from the sale will benefit A Brain Tumor and a Dream, a foundation founded by Mr. Laske in 2012 which will be housed in a former church in Caltabellotta, Sicily. Mr. Laske envisions the foundation as a workshop and retreat for visiting artists and designers from around the world.
Born in Chicago in 1963, Mr. Laske is a designer who has worked in some of the most famous studios of the 20th century, including those of Ettore Sottsass, Ingo Maurer and Philippe Starck, and his designs have been produced by manufacturers such as Alessi and Knoll. Senior Vice President of Wright, Michael Jefferson, says of Mr. Laske’s oeuvre: “Never before have I experienced an output of drawings by a designer as rich and numerous as Larry’s. He firmly believes in seeing through every thought, idea and iteration in the drawn image.”
This singular auction is comprised objects, furniture, ephemera and hundreds of drawings from Mr. Laske’s impressive career as a designer. Notes Michael Jefferson: “Larry is an inventor at heart, and the collection reflects a tremendously curious eye. From fully realized lamps, tables and paintings to hand-made prototypes, full color presentation drawings, and unbelievable sketchbooks, the collection pushes the boundaries for what we sell at auction. There are also dozens of works from famous and noteworthy designers, architects and artists who have donated work for this auction, giving their seal of approval and support to the project.”
Highlights of the sale include comprehensive lots such as Beachy Thingy (Estimate: $70,000-90,000) which includes not only original sketches, prototypes and production pieces, but also the patent for production of Beachy Thingy chairs, and a pair of calculator prototypes and drawings for Ettore Sottsass Associati (Estimate: $1,500-2,000). Also exceptional is a set of seven flatware prototypes and their original drawings made for Alessi (Estimate: $2,000-3,000).
Also offered within this auction are several objects and works of art donated by friends of Mr. Laske in support of A Brain Tumor and a Dream, including Alessandro Mendini, Ingo Maurer, Constantin and Laurene Boym, Eduardo Terranova, Mike Ryan, Richard Rogers and Piero Lissoni, among others.
Lawrence Laske: Design Studio and Collected Works will take place online on October 24, 2014 at 12 pm CT. All works will be illustrated on our award-winning website and bids can be left online two weeks in advance of the auction date.
