THE RESULTS ARE IN: Sotheby's Fine 20th Century Design sale

19 May '10

Sotheby’s
London

Sotheby's latest Design sale took place the 19th of May in London and ended with good results.  This sale titled, Fine 20th Century design, gave collectors an opportunity to focus purchases on high quality works.  

Over all 110 lots were sold out of the 165 available in the sale, bring in a total of £2,639,575 including the buyers premium.  This total shows the design market steadily hanging on in times of recession and its steady improvement over the last year.

The sale included a unique selection of Art Deco figurines from a private collection as the final 30 lots of the sale, but this section was mostly unsuccessful.  However, many of these earlier lots went well above their estimates and the
atmosphere was optimistic. 

Included among these was one of the top earners of the sale Lot 4, Hugo Franca, 'Shukura' coffee table, 2009.  The lot was estimated at £12,000 - £18,000 and sold for an incredible £67,250.

Oher highlights included Ron Arad's New Orleans armchair, 199 which sold for £103,250 with an estimate of £60,000 - £90,000 and a Gio Ponti Rare Pair of Chests of Drawers, c. 1957 which sold for £49,250 with an estimate of £25,000 - £35,000.

Though this sale sold 67% by lot, it is clear the exceptional works of established designers are still mainitining their status.  From the lots sold, one can see collectors are looking for quality, but they are beginning to risk more on contemporary works.

For more information, please visit www.sothebys.com