![From Min Hogg’s collection, English Naïve School, ‘A Coastal Landscape’ [detail]. Photo © Sworders](https://images.prismic.io/barnebys/e5f2f3d8-6c81-43e2-b77d-c1fb151fbdbc_Cover.jpg?auto=format,compress)
British journalist, magazine editor and interior designer Georgina ‘Min’ Hogg MBE (28 September 1938-25 June 2019) found fame and favour among the public for a variety of reasons: she was the daughter of Sir James Cecil Hogg (an ear specialist who counted Queen Elizabeth II among his patients), she was the fashion editor of Harper’s & Queen from 1974-79 (where a young Anna Wintour was her assistant; the two did not get along), and she co-founded the World of Interiors in 1981, a magazine that became one of the most influential shelter publications of the late 20th century.
Though somewhat eclectic and difficult to pin down, her interior design style can be described as ‘old world bohemian’. She favoured a cluttered, eccentric and shabby-chic look, with pieces that were colourful, busy and, quite simply, flavourful.
Admirers of Hogg’s taste will find several pieces from her personal collection going under the hammer at Sworders in their Fine Interiors sale, which is being held from 30 to 31 March.
Hogg preferred historic artworks – whether that be a flaking fresco, a worn landscape or something pulled from a dusty attic – over minimalist pieces void of emotion. Whatever style the piece was, she liked it to function as more than a beautiful work of art, for it to show how society and history shaped homes and living
One such example of this is A Coastal Landscape from the English Naïve School. With soft, muted colours and romantic costume, the painting works as a seascape, a landscape, and a society picture.
Nothing demonstrates Hogg’s shabby chic style like this set of four giltwood chairs. Romantic and rarefied, they can transport any lucky sitter to many worlds away. They are typical of Hogg’s vivid, knocked-about taste.
Alongside these pieces from Hogg's personal collection, Sworders’ Fine Interiors sale also offers lots that follow the influence of her bohemian ‘lived in’ look. From bathtubs and sofas to rugs and obelisks, the catalogue showcases the very best of antique and classic contemporary furnishings, ideal for seasoned collectors and novice interior designers alike.
What’s more, these pieces demonstrate that antique doesn’t always mean old fashioned. Period furnishings can be mixed with contemporary trends to give off that luxury feel of high-end interior design magazines.
As a reminder, Sworders is hosting its Fine Interiors sale from 30-31 March. The catalogue will be online from 10 March, but you can find a sampling of preview lots on their website.
And in the meantime, the auction house has several more enticing sales taking place throughout the month: Fine Wine and Spirits, Homes and Interiors, Jewellery, and more.
