BOSTON, MA – June 16, 2015 – Skinner, Inc.is pleased to announce its June 20th auction of 20th Century Design, featuring over 500 lots of intriguing offerings, many fresh to market.

“Design collectors and enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in this auction, with strong collections of Italian design, Dunbar furniture, Scandinavian design, mid-century American Modern, and early 20th-century pieces on the block. The majority of material in this auction was acquired when it was made, and has remained with the current consignors until now – allowing us to bring numerous pieces to market for the first time.” said Jane Prentiss, Director of 20th Century Design at Skinner.

2002 Ferrari Modena 360 Spider Convertible

A singular 21st century highlight to kick off the sale, this sleek, red Italian convertible will draw Ferrari devotees and car aficionados alike to the auction block (Lot 1, estimated between $75,000 to $85,000). Featuring saddle interior and an electric roof, this vehicle has been well-maintained for its next owner.

Italian Design

Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Dining Table, Italy, design date 1972 (Lot 12, Estimate $6,000- $8,000)

Elegant Italian design stands out in this sale, with a 1972 Vittorio Introini for Saporiti dining table, perfectly evoking la dolce vita lifestyle (Lot 12, $6,000 to $8,000), along with a lovelyMurano glass chandelier from the late 20th century (Lot 10, $2,500 to $3,500).

A classic favorite is the Fornasetti umbrella stand, complete with trompe l’oeil decoration of musical instruments and sheet music, circa 1955 (Lot 3, $800 to $1,200).

Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian design flourished in the Bauhaus-inspired academic circles of the Northeast, as exemplified by several highlights from regional collections purchased in Scandinavia, or directly from Design Research in Cambridge, MA. Two sofas designed by Ben Thompson, founder of The Architects Collaborative and Design Research, are available. Both pieces are rectangular in form and made with Haitian cotton and tubular steel (Lots 486 and 489, $1,000 to $1,200). All of the furnishings Skinner previously offered from the Mary Griggs Burke Estate, many of which were designed by Thompson, sold in the December 2014 auction.

Rounding out this portion of the sale are notable designs by Folke Ohlsson and Hans Wegner. Exceedingly collectible, highlights by Ohlsson include a sofa (Lot 449, $800 to $1,000) and two lounge chairs for Dux (Lot 452, $1,000 to $1,200), all in blue wool reupholstery on teak frames.

An outstanding Wegner valet chair manufactured by Johannes Hansen, circa 1958, arrives complete with a hinged seat that opens to reveal a storage compartment (Lot 412, $6,000 to $8,000). Also manufactured by Johannes Hansen, a Papa Bear Chair and ottoman, dating from circa 1960 will be available, (Lot 498, $7,000 to $9,000).

Ib Kofod Larson ‘Elizabeth’ Chair and Ottoman (Lot 504, Estimate $6,000-$8,000)

Dunbar Furniture & Mid-Century American Modern

For buyers and collectors drawn to classic design, beautiful wood, and quality craftsmanship, Skinner is pleased to offer a grouping of Dunbar furniture, with examples by designer Edward Wormley.

Superb creations by Wormley include theDunbar Sheaf of Wheat table, which features a circular top over a steam-bent mahogany base (Lot 252, $700 to $900), as well as an exceptional Dunbar custom credenza, featuring six cupboard doors inset with 19th century Japanese woodblock prints (Lot 258, $1,200 to $1,800).

Mid-century American modern works are well-represented, with a number of sought-after pieces by George Nakashima – including an early walnut sideboard, purchased directly from the designer in the 1960s (Lot 289, $8,000 to $12,000) and a walnut coffee table, arriving directly from the original commissioner (Lot 286, $14,000 to $16,000).

Those seeking vibrant color can indulge in a Milo Baughman sectional sofa in rich orange fabric (Lot 321, $1,200 to $1,800) and a Harry Bertoia Bird Chair and ottoman in royal blue (Lot 334, $1,200 to $1,400).

Hyde Solomon (American, 1911-1982) Painting, Inland Sea (Lot 235, Estimate $3,000-$5,000)

Art, Sculpture, and Pottery

This auction features fine art and sculpture, depicting the full range of items that bring life into a home alongside robust furniture offerings.

Skinner will present a collection of Hyde Solomon paintings, among them,Interior/Exterior, the 1940s oil on canvas that was formerly exhibited at New York’s Vendome Gallery and illustrated in a James Street Gallery catalog (Lot 315, $3,000 to $4,000).

Harold Tovish’s 1964 Monumental Sculpture: Epitaph, previously exhibited at The Guggenheim Museum in 1968, makes a bold statement (lot 20 $3,000 to $5,000). Works by artists including Lucy Currier Richards, Richard Estes, Thomas Webb, Victor Burgin, and more are also available.

The sale is further enhanced by a perennially cheerful collection of early 20th century Dedham pottery, which will delight lovers of blue and white ceramics (Lots 153-182, estimates vary from $200 to $800). In addition to a large selection of rabbit-patterned tableware, there are several rarer patterns depicting lobsters and crabs (Lots 153-155).

Previews, Catalog, Events, and Bidding

Previews will be held on Thursday, June 18th, from noon to 5 P.M. and Friday, June 19th, from noon to 8 P.M.

Illustrated catalogs are available from the Subscriptions Department, at 508-970-3240, or from the Gallery. Prices realized will be available online, at www.skinnerinc.com, both during and after the sale. The Skinner website enables users to view every lot in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogs and bid live, in real-time, through SkinnerLive!

About Skinner

Skinner auctions draw international interest from buyers and consignors alike, with material regularly achieving record prices. The company’s auction and appraisal services focus on fine art, jewelry, furniture, and decorative arts from around the globe, as well as wine, fine musical instruments, rare books, Asian art, clocks, Judaica, and more. Monthly Skinner Discovery auctions feature a breadth of estate material. Widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the business, Skinner appraisers have appeared on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, since the show’s inception. Skinner has galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as in New York City and Miami, Florida, with bidders participating in person, by phone, and online. Join auctions live with SkinnerLive! and Bidsquare. For more information and to read our blog, visit the website at www.skinnerinc.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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Jane Prentiss
Director of 20th Century Design
508-970-3111
20thCentury@skinnerinc.com