At the second annual Designer Showhouse for Sotheby’s, in anticipation of their auction scheduled for April 20th, thirteen design firms each decorated a room in the auction house’s Manhattan headquarters, transforming what are normally glass atriums and galleries into the feel of a cozy, eclectic, upscale house. There are approximately 300 objects in all, ranging from American paintings, silver, photography, furniture and carpets. Above is the spectacular entrance to this year’s showhouse, which is held on the fifth floor.
The dining room features a set of fourteen George III Mahogany Dining Chairs from around 1800 set in various seating areas. Surrounded by art and silver in this room, you will notice the pair of George III silver two-light candelabra, silver basket and kettle, salvers and a five-basket epergne.
The Breakfast Room walls are graced with Sol Lewitt’s, Double Cubes in Grays and Colors Superimposed, signed and numbered, and Two Assymetrical Pyramids, screen prints in colors 1986, also signed and numbered.
A pair of Italian neoclassical brass-inlaid and parcel-gilt mahogany armshairs c.1820 along with a Louis XVI ormolu-mounted tulipwood, amaranth, fruitwood and marquetry secrtaire a’ abattant c.1770 can be found in the Master Study.
The designers were free to mix and match from any of the pieces included in the auction. Prices for this auction will range from $5,000 to about $100,000. You are free to browse online as well as participate in the live auction online.
The seating area in the smaller bedroom has a set of four Italian Neoclassical carved and stained fruitwood armchairs, late 18th century and a Louis XV/XVI transitional tulipwood, fruitwood and parquetry commode c.1770.
On a pedestal above, a carved shite marble torso of a male figure (20th century) opposite a George III brass and ormolu-mounted fruitwood marquetry commode c.1770.
Below, the Master Beddroom with a Louis XVI ormolu-mounted mahogany bureau c.1870. Below, the Master Study displays a German neoclassical gilt metal-mounted mahogany and fruitwood secretaire a’ abattant c.1820 and a George III giltwood pier mirror c.1760 and George III inlaid satinwood and ebony work table c.1800.
The 2015 Designer Showhouse is open to the public every day between now and April 19th from 10 am to 5 pm, at Sotheby’s headquarters, 1334 York Avenue, between 71st and 72nd Streets. Our Untapped tip to get off your feet: Enjoy a light lunch at Sotheby’s Terrace Cafe. About this time of year, the outdoor terrace is open, with great views of the Upper East Side.
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