PHILLIPS Design Auction - Analysis
London, 19 June 2020
Phillips’ Live Auctions Resume in London with
Rare Works of Design.
Following a rescheduled Spring season of sales, Phillips announced that live auctions will resume in London with the upcoming Design auction on 19 June. The pre-sale public viewing is currently set to happen by appointment only from 15 to 19 June, with the safety of clients and employees being the top priority. Collectors will also be welcomed into the saleroom remotely with a digitally enhanced viewing experience. Comprising 175 lots, the sale presents significant works from key periods of 20th and 21st century design, from French Art Deco and Contemporary through to Italian and Nordic Design, as well as British Studio ceramics. It will be interesting to watch the results of this sale in the current climate.
Post-Sale Analysis:
The sale produced mixed results. Contemporary designers sold mainly at the low end of their estimates, which is disappointing. The best performing period was mid-century Italian which did very well.
Art Deco and mid-century Italian both held their values. Only the rare and exceptional pieces sold above their estimates with few items, overall, not selling.
These results indicate that there are still buyers, but they particularly discerning, looking for unique pieces, with exceptional quality and provenance.
Set of three nesting tables by Jean Dunand
Set of three nesting tables by Jean Dunand
Unique low table by Claude Lalanne
Top, Unique low table by Claude Lalanne
Detail, Unique low table by Claude Lalanne
Rocking chaise longue by Ico Parisi
