The Results Are In: Phillips de Pury Design Auction - London

15th October '09

On October 15th in London, Philips de Pury & Company’s Auction of 20th century and contemporary design brought in a total of £1,229,013. Although the results were nothing ground breaking (only 79 of the 135 lots sold), works by contemporary designers held strong amongst the wide variety of works on sale, including an impressive collection of mid-century masterpieces.

The top earner of the day was Charlotte Perriand’s ‘Important wall-mounted bookcase’, c. 1950, which brought in £151,250. This was closely followed by Jean Royère’s rare ‘Ours Polaire’ sofa, c. 1951, which earned £133,250. Rounding out the top three, however, was Marc Newson’s ‘Micarta Chair’ (wingless), 2006, that fetched a respectable £49,250.

Additional highlights of the sale include Danecia Sibingo’s ‘Driftwood’ pavilion which sold for an impressive £23,750, well above its pre-sale estimate of £10,000-£15,000. Arne Quinze’s ‘Stilthouse Mansize Male’ also sold for well above its estimate at £26,250 (pre-sale estimate £16,000-£18,000). Tord Boonje’s ‘Petit Jardin’ bench brought in £31,250, and Pablo Reinoso’s ‘Aluminum Bench’ fetched £20,000. 

Maarten Baas, Design Miami’s 2009 Designer of the Year, faired strongly with all of his lots selling for well within, or above their pre-sale estimates including his ‘Sculpt’ dining chair, which sold for £9,375 (pre-sale estimate £4,000-£6,000).

The results of this sale confirm that during these economically precarious times people are still playing it safe (sticking to established names, and pieces, and generally not straying from the estimated margins). The sale of Sibingo’s ‘Driftwood’ pavilion, however, proves that there are still some with a daring interest.

Prices listed include the Buyer’s Premium. 

http://www.phillipsdepury.com/