Phillips Achieves £8.2 Million for ‘Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, Exceptional Ceramics: Selections from the Estate of Jane Coper and the former Collection of Cyril Frankel’
Exceeding the Pre-Sale High Estimate by 174% and Setting a New World Auction Record for Lucie Rie
Preceded by the Design Sale on 31 October Which Realised £2.8 Million
Exceptional Ceramics Sale Total: £8,206,613 / $9,962,008 / €9,444,170
Design Sale Total: £2,868,486 / $3,497,258 / €3,280,974
Combined Sale Total for the Week: £11,075,099 / $13,459,266 / €12,725,144
London, 1 November 2023

Domenico Raimondo, Head of Design, Europe, and Senior International Specialist, said, “This historic result not only marks an unprecedented moment in the global market for British Studio Pottery, but also in the market for ceramics across the board. These two extraordinary collections unveiled the very pieces Lucie Rie and Hans Coper kept and cherished throughout their lifetimes, offering an intimate glimpse into their aesthetic kinship and lives. The resounding confidence displayed by collectors in 20th century ceramics is a testament to the rarity and exceptional quality of these works. Among them, the most iconic designs illuminated pivotal moments in the careers of both potters, as evidenced by the record-breaking prices achieved, notably for Lucie Rie's iconic Footed bowl. It was a privilege to present seven of Coper’s exceptionally rare and delicate ‘Cycladic’ pieces from his final years, capturing the hearts of collectors worldwide and achieving a world auction record for the Black ‘Cycladic Arrow’ form. These deeply personal collections have indelibly etched their mark in history, leaving a lasting resonance that will endure for years to come.”
Top Ten Lots
|
Lot |
Description |
Estimate |
Price Achieved |
|
305 |
Hans Coper, Black 'Cycladic Arrow' form, 1976 WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A ‘CYCLADIC’ FORM |
£180,000 - 240,000 |
£647,700 $786,243/€745,373 |
|
331 |
Hans Coper, Large vase with central volume, circa 1954 |
£150,000 - 200,000 |
£457,200 $554,995/€526,146 |
|
302 |
Hans Coper, Large 'Spade' form, circa 1967 |
£60,000 - 80,000 |
£431,800 $524,162/€496,915 |
|
390 |
Hans Coper, White 'Cycladic Arrow' form, circa 1972 |
£120,000 - 180,000 |
£406,400 $493,329/€467,685 |
|
309 |
Hans Coper, Monumental ovoid pot, circa 1968 |
£150,000 - 200,000 |
£393,700 $477,912/€453,070 |
|
306 |
Lucie Rie, Footed bowl, 1981 WORLD AUCTION RECORD |
£50,000 - 80,000 |
£330,200 $400,830/€379,994 |
|
358 |
Hans Coper, Large ovoid pot with disc top, circa 1965 |
£50,000 - 80,000 |
£266,700 $323,747/€306,918 |
|
304 |
Hans Coper, White 'Cycladic Arrow' form, 1976 |
£180,000 - 240,000 |
£254,000 $308,331/€292,303 |
|
391 |
Hans Coper, White 'Cycladic Bud' pot, circa 1975 |
£100,000 - 150,000 |
£228,600 $277,498/€263,073 |
|
307 |
Hans Coper, Large dish, circa 1955 |
£80,000 - 120,000 |
£228,600 $277,498/€263,073 |
New Auction Record
|
Lot |
Description |
Estimate |
Price Achieved |
|
306 |
Lucie Rie, Footed bowl, 1981 |
£50,000 - 80,000 |
£330,200 $400,830/€379,994 |
|
|
*previous record price: 340,200 USD set in 2021 |
||
Phillips’ Design Sale Realises Over £2.8 Million and Sets World Auction Records for Max Ingrand and Studio Drift
Strong International Interest for 20th Century Italian and French Designers Including Studio B.B.P.R., Max Ingrand, Jean Royère, and Albert Cheuret, Among Others
London, 31 October 2023
Sale Total: £2,868,486 / $3,497,258 / €3,280,974

Sofia Sayn-Wittgenstein, Head of Design, London and Senior Specialist. said, “These results demonstrate the strength and continuing appeal in the market for 20th century design. The auction witnessed robust competition from our international collecting community, with a strong depth of bidding from over 300 participants across 35 countries worldwide. We are thrilled with the results achieved for exceptional Italian and French 20th Century design, particularly the world auction record realised for Max Ingrand’s Large mirror. Further standout results include Jean Royère’s Occasional table, and Albert Cheuret’s Pair of 'Cigogne' illuminated mirrors, which sparked an intense bidding war and soared to over twenty times the estimate. Our global team continue to produce thoughtfully curated sales which celebrate and promote design in its many varied forms, and we look forward to the next Design sale in New York on 5 December.”
Top Ten Lots
|
Lot |
Description |
Estimate |
Price Achieved |
|
90 |
Studio B.B.P.R., Ceiling light, circa 1962 |
£70,000 - 90,000 |
£254,000 $309,677/€290,525 |
|
6 |
Max Ingrand, Large mirror, 1960s WORLD AUCTION RECORD |
£35,000 - 55,000 |
£215,900 $263,225/€246,946 |
|
12 |
Jean Royère, Occasional table, circa 1955 |
£60,000 - 80,000 |
£203,200 $247,741/€232,420 |
|
77 |
Albert Cheuret, Pair of 'Cigogne' illuminated mirrors, circa 1925 |
£10,000 - 15,000 |
£203,200 $247,741/€232,420 |
|
2 |
Max Ingrand, Prototype ceiling light, model no. RA 2631m, circa 1959 |
£25,000 - 35,000 |
£82,550 $100,645/€94,421 |
|
86 |
Josef Hoffmann, Unique sideboard, circa 1927 |
£50,000 - 70,000 |
£82,550 $100,645/€94,421 |
|
21 |
Janine Janet, Unique 'Tête d'Actéon', 1964 |
£60,000 - 80,000 |
£76,200 $92,903/€87,158 |
|
99 |
Alessandro Mendini, Unique 'Spaziale' table, 1978 |
£50,000 - 70,000 |
£63,500 $77,419/€72,631 |
|
11 |
Jean Royère, Pair of armchairs, circa 1955 |
£50,000 - 70,000 |
£60,960 $74,322/€69,726 |
|
53 |
Gabriella Crespi, Pair of 'Quick-Change' adjustable sofas, from the 'Plurimi' series, circa 1972 |
£12,000 - 18,000 |
£57,150 $69,677/€65,368 |
New Auction Records
|
Lot |
Description |
Estimate |
Price Achieved |
|
6 |
Max Ingrand, Large mirror, 1960s |
£35,000 - 55,000 |
£215,900 $263,225/€246,946 |
|
|
*previous record price: 162,500 GBP set in 2017 |
||
|
63 |
Studio Drift, 'Fragile Future 3.5', 2010 |
£5,000 - 7,000 |
£48,260 $58,839/€55,200 |
|
|
*previous record price: 9,375 GBP set in 2011 |
||
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 Jewelry. 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.
Visit phillips.com for further information.
*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
LONDON – Anna Chapman, Press Strategic Partnerships Officer achapman@phillips.com
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