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PRESS RELEASE
IMPORTANT 20TH-CENTURY FRENCH DESIGN TO LEAD PHILLIPS’ LONDON AUCTION
Alongside Adolf Loos’ Rare Longcase Clock from circa 1904 and a Group of Iconic Arredoluce Lights from an Important Italian Collection
LONDON – 22 OCTOBER 2025 – Phillips is delighted to unveil highlights from its upcoming Design auction in London on 4 November. Leading the sale is François-Xavier Lalanne’s iconic ‘Brebis’ sheep, joined by a suite of French mid-century design by desirable names, including Jean Royère, Charlotte Perriand, and Line Vautrin. Among the standout lots is a rare longcase clock by Adolf Loos from a Distinguished Private Collection, and 11 exceptional Arredoluce lights drawn from an Important Italian Lighting Collection. The full catalogue is now online, and the public preview opens at Phillips’ Berkeley Square galleries on 29 October.
Domenico Raimondo, Phillips’ Head of Department, Design, Europe and Senior International Specialist, said, “From Adolf Loos’ visionary timepiece to Lalanne’s iconic ‘Brebis’ sheep, this sale presents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire works that not only embody the designers’ singular aesthetics, but also capture turning points in design history. I am particularly thrilled by the inclusion of the Arredoluce lights – their bold colours, sculptural forms, and technical ingenuity make them some of the most exciting offerings in the auction. We look forward to welcoming collectors and enthusiasts to view these works in person from 29 October.”
EARLY MODERNISM One of the sale’s rarest and most poignant works is an early clock by Adolf Loos, a masterwork embodying the architect’s revolutionary design philosophy. Inspired by his formative journey to America in the early 1890s, Loos embraced the directness and practicality of American life – ideals that shaped his lifelong pursuit of simplicity, function, and material clarity. Clocks are a vital aspect of Loos’s oeuvre, and this example is a rare expression of Loosian Modernism, encapsulating the essence of a movement that has informed nearly every aspect of 20th-century architecture and design.
MID-CENTURY FRENCH HIGHLIGHTS Leading the sale is François-Xavier Lalanne’s ‘Brebis’ from his Nouveaux Mouton series, a whimsical expression of his sculptural imagination. Additional French highlights include a distinguished suite by Jean Royère from a Lebanese Private Collection. The suite was commissioned by Mr. Charles and Mrs. Marie Majdalani – relatives of Royère’s long-time collaborator and business associate, architect Nadim Majdalani – during Royère’s prolific Middle Eastern period during which time his partnership with Majdalani and their Beirut boutique L’Atelier flourished amid Lebanon’s postwar boom. The suite stands as an enduring testament to a defining chapter in his international career.
Further iconic designs from this period include Charlotte Perriand’s 'Nuage' bookshelf, for Miferma, Mauritania, and Line Vautrin’s 'Soleil Torsadé' mirror, one of six works by the artist included in the sale. In addition, an important collection of mid-century French design with works by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, Jean Royère, and Georges Jouve will also be offered.
ICONS OF 20TH-CENTURY ITALIAN DESIGN Another highlight of the sale is a group of 11 exemplary Arredoluce lights from an Important Italian Lighting Collection. Founded in Monza by Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce became a pioneer of Postwar Modern lighting. The selection spans floor, table, wall, and ceiling lights in painted aluminium, brass, steel, and glass – sculptural yet functional, defined by bold colour and clarity of form. Collaborations with Gio Ponti, Franco Albini, Nanda Vigo, and Ettore Sottsass underscore Arredoluce’s vision of elevating lighting to a pure expression of design. Phillips, who holds the auction record for the maker, offers here both rare collector’s pieces and enduring icons of Italian Modernism.
FURTHER HIGHLIGHTS Elizabeth Fritsch’s 'Floating particles' vase showcases her signature fusion of geometry, colour, and optical illusion. The sale also includes Shiro Kuramata’s Rare chair, from the Piacere coffee shop, Tokyo, reflecting the maker’s pioneering use of transparent materials and his poetic command of light and form. George Nakashima’s free-form coffee table from 1967 perfectly exemplifies his philosophy of revealing the inherent character of wood through disciplined craftmanship.
Auction: 4 November 2025, 1pm GMT Auction viewing: 29 October - 4 November 2025 Location: 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auction/UK050225 |
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ABOUT PHILLIPS Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS: LONDON – Katie Carder, Head of Press and Corporate Communications, Europe kcarder@phillips.com
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