Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is set to hold an extraordinary auction of exceptionally rare and unusual furniture items from 20th century artisans in Paris later this month. Here are some of the highlights.
The design department at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr on Avenue Hoche in the eighth arrondissement is bringing together a remarkable collection of 120-or-so lots, many of them one-offs, for the auction event on 29th May.
Among the most spectacular is the 1970 Boomerang desk by Franco-Polish sculptor and designer Maurice Calka. Made from sleek, tinted fibreglass, this desk is part of a limited-edition collection that was originally produced for artist Jean Leleu Deshays. It has an estimated pre-sale value of €12,000 to €15,000.
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Another stand-out piece is the Pierre Vandel Vertèbre chair and ottoman (pictured above). First made in 1972, it became an instant classic due to its industrial look and original shape. Fashioned out of stainless steel, this particular assemblage boasts its original leather dressings and is estimated to be worth between €8,000 and €12,000.
For fans of the Art Déco period, the white leather and brass curved sofa by Paul Dupré-Lafon that dates from around 1929 might be the real star of the show. This piece retains a distinctly modern aesthetic and allure despite approaching 100 years of age. Appraisals put its value between €60,000 and €80,000.
Other interesting pieces include: a Passif table from the 1987 Containers collection by Martin Szekely, a copy of which is in the National Centre for Plastic Arts in Paris; and a Henri Samuel armchair, which was originally designed by Philippe Hiquily in 1975. The version of this latter piece that will be available at auction is a 2004 model. It carries a price tag of €18,000 to €22,000, and is part of the Galeries Patrice Trigano & Yves Gastou collection.
For more information on the upcoming event, click here.
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Photos courtesy of Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr