Quirky Design Classics Auction Features Fun and Functionality

An upcoming auction at de Vere’s Art and Design in Dublin will showcase a selection of quirky design classics that blend fun with functionality. The sale, part of the RHA collection, closes on November 4, 2023, and features notable pieces that challenge the perception of design as merely expensive or impractical.

One standout item is the Well Transparent Chair by renowned designer Ron Arad, estimated to sell for between €1,000 and €2,000. This chair, a modern interpretation of his earlier Well Tempered Chair from 1986, is constructed from polycarbonate and wing nuts, resulting in a visually striking and nearly transparent piece. While it makes a bold statement, potential buyers should approach with caution; its see-through nature may not provide the comfort one expects from traditional seating.

Another intriguing offering is the Traccia table, designed by the Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim. This piece, estimated between €2,000 and €3,000, features a gold-leaf oval top adorned with bird prints, supported by bronze bird feet. The table’s design traces back to its origins as a Surrealist sculpture first exhibited in 1939. Oppenheim, a pivotal figure in the Surrealist movement, is best known for her provocative Object (Breakfast in Fur), a fur-covered tea set that challenged conventional aesthetics and functionality.

Oppenheim’s influence continues to resonate, as the Traccia table was later produced in limited editions during the 1970s, further solidifying its place in design history. The Ultramobile Collection, to which it belongs, aimed to adapt surrealist concepts into functional artworks for everyday use, allowing creativity to intertwine with practicality.

The auction also features a pair of gilt sheaf-of-wheat tables designed by jeweller Robert Goossens for Coco Chanel. These tables, estimated between €1,000 and €1,500, exhibit a rich history tied to Chanel’s legacy. The bases of the tables are crafted in the shape of a sheaf of wheat, a motif that held significant meaning for Chanel throughout her career. Goossens, who collaborated with Chanel in the late 1950s, created decorative art objects that blurred the lines between jewellery and furniture.

Chanel’s Parisian apartment at 31 Rue Cambon remains a symbol of her creative spirit, albeit preserved and closed to the public since her passing in 1971. According to an article by Freya Herring in Vogue Australia, Chanel’s love for wheat motifs extended to her artwork, including a piece by Salvador Dalí titled Ear of Wheat for Coco Chanel. This artistic influence may have inspired Goossens’ design for the tables, enhancing their appeal for collectors.

A more whimsical piece in the auction is the Space Curtain designed by Paco Rabanne in the 1970s. This innovative curtain, made of chrome-plated plastic discs and estimated to sell for between €800 and €1,200, offers a playful take on the beaded curtains popular during that era. Rabanne, known for his avant-garde approach in fashion, often incorporated unconventional materials into his designs. The Space Curtain is a testament to his creative vision, despite its impracticality.

For those seeking affordable design pieces, the Balloon Lamp by Yves Christin offers a delightful option. Designed in the 1980s, this lamp, estimated between €200 and €400, resembles a colorful balloon, infusing a sense of joy into any space.

The upcoming auction at de Vere’s Art and Design presents an exciting opportunity for collectors and design enthusiasts alike. Each piece not only showcases innovative design but also tells a story, providing insight into the creative minds behind them. As the auction date approaches, interest in these quirky classics is expected to grow, inviting a new generation to appreciate the fun side of avant-garde design.