On 20 October, deVeres Auctions in Dublin will have their ‘Art and Design’ auction, offering bidders an eclectic mix of classic 20th-century furniture and décor, as well as a selection of Irish art. Italian and Danish designs of the 1960s dominate, with a spectacular array of modern tables, chairs, sofas, sideboards and lighting features, perfect for adding a retro flair to any home.
Originally designed in 1958 for the Pavillion Langeline restaurant in Copenhagen, Poul Henningsen’s Artichoke lamp is an iconic and eye-catching light fixture. Composed of 72 lacquered steel ‘leaves’ carefully arranged around the central filament, the lamp creates a warm diffusion of light without any direct glare. This example is a brilliant white, and is complete with a maker’s stamp.
Sometimes two are better than one, and this gorgeous set of Italian side cabinets is no exception. Similar to American mid-century modern styles, each piece exemplifies minimal yet elegant design. Made of rosewood and raised on splayed legs, the panel doors on each cabinet are finished with sunken handles that maintain the clean lines of the exterior.
For a bold addition to an office or lounge, look no further than this set of swivel chairs that represent retro-futurism at its finest. A throwback to the space-age obsession of the 1960s, the chairs were created by the German design team Jehs + Laub for Fritz Hansen. The sleek white outer shell is completed with geometric oxblood padding that provides a striking visual and textural contrast to the exterior.
Upholstered in striking green and brown stripes, this Italian sofa is the ideal centrepiece for a retro sitting room. The flared arms flow seamlessly into the back, creating a smooth and unique silhouette. The vibrant fabric is complimented by the simplicity of the splayed metal legs, finished off with rounded brass feet.
A sophisticated addition to any dining room, this rosewood sideboard provides convenient storage within a tasteful exterior. Created by the Danish designer Henning Kjaernulf for Bruno Hansen, the sideboard contains shelves behind a pair of tambour doors. It stands off the ground on tapered legs, and bears a makers label proclaiming that the piece was made in Denmark.
Along with furniture and décor, the sale will also include an array of works by distinguished Irish artists, including Tony O’Malley, Barbara Warren, Liam O’Neill, and Jack Yeats. One standout is Gold Painting by Patrick Scott, an abstract painting which incorporates a geometric design in gold leaf. Scott was known for his series of gold paintings, and this is a rare opportunity to collect a piece with an impeccable provenance – acquired from the artist and passed down, this is its first time at auction.
The entire auction catalogue is available online, or items may be viewed by appointment at deVeres Gallery, 35 Kildare Street, Dublin. All bidding will take place virtually with prior registration, from now until Tuesday, 20 October at 6:01pm.
