More than 200 lots of important designs of the 20th and 21st century from the collection of the late Victoria, Lady de Rothschild will be offered at an online sale at Christie’s from Nov. 18-Dec. 9.
Featuring notable works by designers including André Sornay, Yoichi Ohira, Johnny Swing, Ingrid Donat, and Mattia Bonetti, alongside works of art by Dora Maar, Henry Moore, and Irving Penn, the sale has an estimated total in excess of £1 million (US$1.4 million).
Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, was married to Evelyn de Rothschild, a British financier, a member of the Rothschild family and former chairman of The Economist, from 1973 to 2000. They had three children together— Jessica, Anthony, and David.
A daughter of the late Lewis Schott, a Florida-based developer, venture capitalist, and racehorse owner, she died in January at age 71.
An avid collector, de Rothschild acquired whatever pieces moved her at art and design fairs, her children said in a joint statement via Christie’s.
“Our mother had a wonderful eye and an ability to mix the most unlikely pieces to produce an incredible narrative,” they said. “Her collection was thought-provoking and inspiring and invited you into a world of her own. Above all, she loved beautiful things and loved sharing them with people.”
Leading the collection is Penny Couch by Johnny Swing, a Vermont-based sculptor who is known for his “coin furniture,” furniture made from coins. The couch, custom commissioned by de Rothschild for her personal collection, has a presale estimate of between £50,000 (US$68,300) and £80,000. It’s accompanied by another piece designed by Swing, a half-dollar butterfly chair, which is expected to sell for between £20,000 and £30,000.
Also included in the sale is a selection of Japanese bamboo baskets and glass, as de Rothschild appreciated the incredible Japanese artisanship. Examples of baskets include two designed by Tanioka Shigeo : Basket has a presale low estimate of £8,000, and Forest, 2002 is expected to fetch more than £7,000.
Highlights from this sale will be on public view at Christie’s galleries in London from Nov. 18 to Dec. 8.
Additionally, selections of Victoria, Lady de Rothschild’s jewelry will be sold online from Nov. 12-26.