Collaboration has become such a buzzword in design, and its power to generate newness and invigorate industries has even filtered into the often-rarefied world of fine art. Aspire Art Auctions recently enlisted interiors experts Tonic Design to work with it on a new platform for international and local design, one that’s set to inject renewed life into the auction world in SA and provide a dedicated channel for the sale of decorative and product design.
As bona fide experts in sourcing pieces on auction for projects, no one knows better than Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe how challenging it is to find special collectable furniture and design in this country. “Over the last 20 years we’ve scoured auctions for interesting pieces. While in Europe there is always an auction or flea markets on your doorstep, here the options are limited to the occasional household or fine-art sale. Design auctions don’t exist here in the same way as they do internationally,” says Gamble.
The Aspire X Tonic Fine Design Auction aims to start to change that. A collection of just less than 140 lots, ranging from mid-century Danish design and iconic Kartell, Vitra, Ligne Rose, Tom Dixon and Cassina pieces to contemporary South African collectables (Anatomy Design, Lemon, Dokter and Misses), Lalique and Murano glassware, it’s a wide-ranging and impressive selection of highly desirable pieces.
“We were really excited when Aspire approached us — their focus is fine art and our role was to lend our design expertise in terms of advising, sourcing and curating the selection,” said Gamble. The aim of the auction is twofold — to create a robust secondary market for local designers and makers, and to provide a resource for those in the industry sourcing pieces for their projects.
Gamble also hopes it will elevate perceptions of local design — by having it available on the same platform as well-known Danish or Italian design, they rightly assume the same level of credibility.
Says Ruarc Peffers, senior art specialist at Aspire Art Auctions: “As contemporary fine art from Africa is increasingly coveted by a growing local and international community, our intention is also to promote the finest contemporary design produced on this continent alongside signature pieces from international designers.”
Pieces were sourced from designers/makers (who supplied unique, limited-edition designs or out of production pieces) and collectors/individuals/dealers. Among Gamble’s highlights on the auction are the remarkable stainless-steel A Ghost That We New table by Gregor Jenkin, some rare William Birch & Co Arts and Crafts turn-of-the-century dining chairs, the masterful Hlabisa bench by Houtlander, Thabisa Mjo and weaver Beauty Ngxongo, and of course some earlier one-off Tonic pieces.
Viewing and online bidding are now open until November 26 from 7pm. All lots are on view at Aspire Art Auctions’ Johannesburg gallery. Viewing is by appointment.
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