Read Vintage Furniture Collecting and Living with Modern Design Classics by Fay Sweet coming out in May, and attend The Sollo Rago Modern Annex Auction.
Check out the terrific vintage pieces being offered in the Sollo Rago 20th Century Two-day Modern sale in Lambertville New Jersey from April 12-13th. April 12th is the Dorsey Reading sale --a must visit for collectors, as it will offer a pristine collection of Paul Evans furniture, with some Phillip Lloyd Powell. Dorsey worked along side Evans from 1959 on, and has amassed a very unique collection. Some of the hot pieces include this divine cabinet shown below.
To find out more, Sollo Rago is located at 204 North Union Street, Lambertville NJ. For more information phone 609-397-9374 or visit www.ragoarts.com
Photo Courtesy of Sollo RagoLot 100 Paul Evans Two-door vertical Sculpture Front cabinet, vibrantly patinated with edges trimmed in 23K gold-leaf, the red-washed interior with three gold-leaf drawers and numerous compartments, 1972. (From the collection of Dorsey Reading.) Signed Paul Evans '72 D. 82" x 36" x 20" $80,000 - $120,000
Photo Courtesy of Conde Nast Archive CorbisWith the current craze for mid-century modern furniture, it helps to learn a thing or two about what you like and want to buy.
Fay Sweet, an authority on modern design, digs into early and mid-century modernism, highlighting iconic furniture pieces and their designers. Period interiors enhance the pages, seeing furniture in this context is inspiring. Design greats, 20 of whom are profiled, are recognized for their contribution to the way the world looks at form and function through furnishings. Beginning in the 1950's, the book takes us to new millennium collectables like the now classic Ron Arad and Marcel Wanders pieces. A helpful collecting guide offers purchasing insights, and how to buy at auction. If you did not major in art history, this is a good book to add to your library. It comes out in May from Antique Collectors Club.
Photo Courtesy of GettyItalian design giant Gio Ponti takes a break from designing the Super Leggera chair (possibly) to smile for the camera.
Get your Charles and Ray Eames,Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton fix.
Modern Auction-goers BEWARE: the sellers at Sollo Rago are terribly rude and do not even allow phone bidding unless you guarantee a bid - they say it is too much work! It seems the past few years have created an attitude problem in their auction house, where they will do YOU a favor to allow you to bid. I suggest taking your business elsewhere -- there are plenty of polite, refined sellers available.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you all!
I think that is some great advice on midcentury modern. The thing is, we all love to find a bargain. I blog about furniture and midcentury pieces quite often. Make sure that you are getting quality pieces and ones that are not totally damaged. There are a lot of dealers out there, but it may take some time to find what you want. Here is a sample of pieces in great condition. . That is the caliber of piece I would shoot for. Quality is key.
ReplyDeleteThe woman with her dog picture is great!
ReplyDeleteI love mid-century modern (and that book - it's my bible), and have just found a site - kinda like a beautiful craigslist - where you can buy and sell your designer and mid-century modern furniture and fine art.
ReplyDeleteIt's called Lushpad. They've got some good articles as well about how to tell an authentic piece from a reproduction or a knockoff.