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Phillips Design Auction to Include an Exceptional Array of Brazilian Design
Sale on 2 May to Include Important Works by Joaquim Tenreiro and Regina Bolonha, José Zanine Caldas, and Fernando and Humberto Campana
Joaquim Tenreiro and Regina Bolonha Unique coffee table, circa 1957 Estimate: £30,000 - 50,000
LONDON – 15 APRIL 2024 – Phillips is pleased to present highlights of Brazilian design from the London Design Auction on 2 May. In the mid-20th century, Brazilian design experienced a period of growth. It was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for a distinctively unique modernism, spearheaded by pioneers such as Joaquim Tenreiro and Lina Bo Bardi. Their legacy endured, and Brazilian design has garnered international recognition. This tightly curated group features iconic and unique pieces by some of the most celebrated Brazilian designers of the 20th century, including Joaquim Tenreiro and José Zanine Caldas, as well as Fernando and Humberto Campana, and Lina Bo Bardi. Phillips will exhibit this exceptional selection of works during the London Design preview from 26 April until the auction on 2 May.
Leading the group is a unique coffee table designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and Regina Bolonha circa 1957. Steeped in history, the table remained in the collection of the Profili family for over three decades. The family are descendants of Arturo and Enrica Profili who migrated from Italy to Brazil in the post-war era, leaving a significant mark on São Paulo's cultural landscape. Arturo was secretary-general of the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art and was pivotal to the establishment of the São Paulo Bienal de Artes, fostering connections with luminaries such as Walter Gropius, with whom he had a close bond. Gropius, one of the pioneering masters of modernist architecture and founder of Bauhaus in Weimar, was instrumental in conceptualising Arturo's Morumbi residence near Lina Bo Bardi's 'Casa de Vidro’ and collaborated with architect Oswaldo Bratke on its design. Furnishing the residence in the late 1950s, Bratke chose works designed by Tenreiro, including the present unique coffee table, which journeyed with the Profilis to Italy in 1962 and back to Brazil in 1965.
The unique coffee table holds a prominent place in archival photographs from Tenreiro's São Paulo store and graces the cover of the influential book ‘Madeira, Arte e Design’, offering invaluable insights into Tenreiro's design philosophy and artistic approach. Featuring hand-painted tiles by artist Regina Bolonha, the table's sleek design showcases Tenreiro's craftsmanship, with its wood structure meticulous crafted to accentuate the composition of the striking tiles. The table's subtle details, from the bevelled feet to the dark frame perfectly matching the painted motif, underscore Tenreiro's technical prowess as a skilled carpenter and highlight his enduring impact as one of Brazil's foremost modern designers.
Further highlights of this group include Tenreiro’s 'Mesa triangular' dining table, Zanine Caldas’ 'Namoradeira' rocking love seat and Fernando and Humberto Campana’s renowned 'Sushi' sofa.
Auction: 2 May 2024 Auction viewing: 26 April – 2 May 2024 Location: 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/UK050124
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