Consisting of over 597 consignments of works of art, ceramics, furniture and collectables from the 20th and 21st centuries, the 20th century team have each picked their top two lots ahead of The Art & Design Sale on 25th May.
Martin Millard chooses lots 89 and 242.
Lot 89, Dame Elisabeth Frink RA (1930-1993), Eagle Maquette, conceived 1984, estimate £20,000 - £30,000.
“Throughout her career, Frink would repeatedly create sculptures of animals and birds. As more than a nod to her country upbringing, she was fascinated by the uneasy relationship between predator and prey, and her treatment of the materials often resulted in an unmistakable finish, being partly organic whilst also very clearly, sculptural. Her pieces have presence, and this eagle is no exception, despite its relatively small scale at 29cm high, and like its model, it punches above its weight in stature and power.”
Lot 242, Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, an early LCW chair, circa 1950s, estimate £500 - £1,000.
“I have long since admired the furniture designs of Charles and Ray Eames, and their iconic 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman remain amongst the most comfortable chairs I have ever experienced, but it is the stripped back simplicity of this LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) that I admire here. The Eames’ were pioneers of new technologies, including moulded plywood, and the LCW is perhaps one of the best examples of both form and function being partnered perfectly, as the ergonomics have been given equal weighting to the shape itself. Whilst they had set out to create a single-piece shell of moulded plywood in complex curves to form both the seat and back, this ‘compromise’ quickly became yet another design classic from the powerhouse duo of mid-century design.”
Brett Tryner chooses lots 457 and 491.
Lot 457, Three Female Nudes signed 'Georges Kyrota, 20th Century Continental School, estimate £400 - £600.
“The strong composition of this painting is what first drew me to it when I began cataloguing the collection of the late Sir Georg and Lady Solti. Influences of the Renaissance can be seen in the composition, whilst the dramatic landscape is akin to Venetian artist, Giorgione. Whilst the artist has taken inspiration from earlier works, he has also been influenced by his contemporaries. The figures bear the strong features which can be found in 1930s bohemian paintings, notably from the continent with artists such as Tamara de Lempicka. Unusually for somebody in the artworld, I also like the fact that we don’t know anything about the artist, or even who he really is.”
Lot 491, Gerald Leslie Brockhurst RA, ‘Ophelia,’ estimate £800 - £1,200.
“My favourite etching in the sale is Ophelia by Gerald Leslie Brockhurst (1890 – 1978). It depicts Brockhurst’s lover, Kathleen Woodward who later became his second wife. The etching is taken from the original painting which was executed in 1937. Woodward’s strong stare and powerful presence are quite unlike the characteristics of Ophelia, and the plain background enforces her beauty.”
Gabrielle Downie chooses lots 103 and 572.
Lot 103, Harald Nielsen for Georg Jensen (1866-1935), a silver mustard and spoon, pattern no.632, estimate £120 - £180.
“On the more modest and affordable end of Georg Jensen, one of my top lots is 103 – a ‘Pyramid’ silver mustard and spoon, designed by Harald Nielsen for Jensen. Part of a larger consignment of Jensen silver, I love this piece for its simple, yet effective, design and exquisite attention to detail. Although certainly evocative of a time and place, this piece retains a very modern and versatile look.”
Lot 572, Herbert Gurschner (1901-1975), Tyrol, estimate £400 - £600.
“We have got four of these charming Herbert Gurschner woodcuts consigned into the sale and I love every one of them. In describing his hometown of Tyrol, Gurschner is able to describe the joys and struggles of living in Alpine conditions, through the use of just simple forms and striking, typically primary, colours. These woodcuts feel as much like historical documents as they do works of art.”
Click here to view the catalogue for The Art & Design Sale.