20th Century Decorative Art & Design Auction at Christies

11 March '11

New York

The 2011 design auction seasons kicks off next month with the 20th Century Decorative Art & Design sale at Christie's New York on March 11 '11. I believe this sale will reflect the collectIble design market's continuing exponential growth.

Here at DeTnk I am keeping my eyes on the iconic American designer Wendell Castle. Castle has three lots on auction in this sale, two of his 'Black Widow' chairs from 2007 (estimated at $15,000 - $20,000) and one cherry low table from 1975 (estimated at $20,000 - $30,000).

Looking at past auction results, Castle's works seems to attract specific collectors. In some sales his work struggles to capture the lower estimate, while other sales the ending bid reaches far beyond estimated values. This leads me to believe that there are a few very passionate collectors of Castle's work; I will be curious to see if they are bidding on the 11th.

I am also watching designer and artist Judie Kensley Mckie.

Mckie's work reminds me of the increasingly popular Claude Lalanne. Whimsical animals frozen in time for you to put your stuff on.

Much like Claude Lalanne, Mckie also works between art and design. Unlike the trend of 'designart' which emerged in 2000 with the likes of Rod Aran and his audacious designs, Mckie (and Claude/Lalanne) worked more fluidly between the two disciplines; showing their work at both art galleries and design spaces without the need for explanation or justification.

It seems that this fluid bridging has paid off for these artists/designers, as their work has proven very desirable at auctions.

Mckies patinated bronze 'Jaguar' table is estimated at $15,000 - $25,000 and her marble 'Polar Bear' bench 
 is estimated at $25,000 - $35,000 .


A Patinated Bronze 'Jaguar' Table by JUDY KENSLEY MCKIE


A Laminated Cherry Low Table by WENDELL CASTLE


'Black Widow' A Polychromed Fiberglass Chair by WENDELL CASTLE