The Collector: A Collaboration with Christie’s – Part 1

On 15th July, Christie’s will hold an exciting live auction, The Collector, which will include a collection of European and English 18th and 19th Century furniture, works of art, ceramics, silver and gold boxes.

Founded in 1766, Christie’s has an outstanding international reputation as a leading auction house. I have been invited to be the auction’s ‘Tastemaker’, selecting my favourite items and imagining how we would use them in our interiors. It has certainly been great fun to create mood boards which place these magnificent pieces in our designs.

Lot 32: Louis XV1 Ormolu enamel and rouge griotte marble skeleton clock (1790)

Here we have imagined this ornate Antique Ormolu Clock in two different settings in this light filled Drawing Room. It looks wonderful taking pride of place on the marble over mantle with an early 20th century Mark Gertler oil painting behind.

It looks equally striking sitting on the Carlton Hobbs desk, as the enamel on the clock picks out the blues of the Ivon Hitchins painting and is an arresting juxtaposition for this piece.

Lot 38: Pair of French polychrome-painted canvas and Lucca-poveri three panel screens (18th century)

We like to hang our screens as an art piece on walls, it is so much easier to admire the detail. Here we see them hanging in the events lobby at Crosby Street Hotel in New York. We love the scale and subtle colouring. Seen together they make a big statement piece.

Lot 134: Pair of Irish George 111 marquetry inlaid console tables (1770)

A pair of consoles can always be used beside a fireplace. They enhance this SoHo loft suite at Crosby Street Hotel. The warm tones and contemporary textiles need the distinction of the antique marquetry consoles to add grace and depth to the room.

Lot 136: George 11 Mahogany table with green marble top

This bold table looks fabulous in a grand hallway. Shown here with my ‘Mythical Land’ mural as a magical backdrop. This table holds its own in any setting.

Antiques always add interest and character to a scheme; they have a story to tell. Sometimes it is not easy to imagine a grand and ornate piece in your own living space, but there is always a way to make a fabulous piece work.

To read more about these wonderful pieces and how we have re-imagined them in contemporary interiors, visit the digital Viewing Room on the Christie’s website HERE.