The much-anticipated Sotheby’s sale of more than 350 works from David Bowie’s private art collection will take place on November 10 and 11. The three-part auction will focus on contemporary and modern art, but also objects of design. Here are five pieces we’re coveting.
1 A light curve
The pieces in the auction reveal a love of strong shapes, new-age designs and bright colours. Much like Bowie’s famed fashion choices, every piece makes a statement. The Treetops floor lamps, by Ettore Sottsass, are a case in point. Dating back from 1981 and standing 194 centimetres tall, the lacquered metal lamps are defined by their bold geometric shapes and striking use of primary colours.
• Treetops floor lamp, estimated at £600 to £800 (Dh2,686 to Dh3,582) per lamp
2 Type cast
Bowie’s eclectic tastes meant he amassed an incredibly varied collection of art and design, although he did favour works by the outlandish Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and the Milan-based Memphis Group. The bright red Valentine typewriter was designed by Sottsass and Perry King in 1969, and makes us yearn for simpler times. If you’re a digital detoxer with a penchant for retro design, this could be the ultimate investment.
• Valentine typewriter, estimated at £300 to £500 (Dh1,343 to Dh2,238)
3 Tutti-frutti
Who says your fruit bowl has to be dull? Designed in 1982 and engraved with the words “E SOTTSASS PER MEMPHIS MILANO”, the Sol fruit bowl will liven up the drabbest of kitchens, or be a guaranteed conversation starter when used as a centrepiece for your table.
• Fruit bowl, estimated at £800 to £1,200 (Dh3,582 to Dh5,373)
4 Table tops
This 1986 Madras dining table was designed by Nathalie du Pasquier and combines laminated plastic and lacquered wood. Most importantly, the patterning on the front is so cool that you’ll never need to invest in a tablecloth again.
• Madras dining table, estimated at £1,000 to 1,500 (Dh4,477 to Dh6,716)
5 Phone home
The Enorme telephone is a colourful throwback to the 1980s. It’s made from moulded ABS plastic and rubber, and comes with the original printed cardboard box and instruction manual, for that added bit of authenticity. It’s also fully operational, should that newfangled smartphone ever let you down.
• Enorme telephone, estimated at £200 to £300 (Dh895 to Dh1,343)
For more information, visit www.sothebys.com
alane@thenational.ae
