When Southern Guild represented South Africa as the featured country in the annual design auction at Christie’s in London 18 months ago, record prices were achieved for 11 of the 14 works sold. Porky Hefer’s Appropriated Objects – Chair and Stool selling for close to four times the estimate price.

This April, Christie’s and Southern Guild will collaborate again with Southern Guild presenting double the number of works, with new names added to the curated group representing the country’s top designers.

Southern Guild’s 25 lots for the First Open, South Kensington, Post-War and Contemporary Art auction include pieces by 18 of the most important design voices in South Africa, including Porky Hefer, David Krynauw and Dokter and Misses, all recognised for creating a new vernacular within the global collectible design landscape.

The exhibition preceding the auction at Christie’s, titled Contemporary Living: Art, Craft & Design, will present works of art by contemporary artists, together with pieces from British gallery The New Craftsmen, recognised for its contemporary objects rooted in artistry and narrative, showcased alongside the Southern Guild offering, melding diverse talents, items and viewpoints in a dynamic and stimulating mix.

‘Southern Guild pieces have a special appeal for young collectors,’ explains Southern Guild co-founder Trevyn McGowan. ‘They are imbued with intriguing narratives and a strong ethos linked to hand production that draws people in.’ She talks of how many of the designers are also the makers, allowing the work to be entrenched with their personas. ‘This aligns well with The New Craftsmen’s approach to refining the value of craft and placing a strong focus on skills, methods and materials.’

The exhibition design will change across four days through a series on interventions, generating new visual vignettes and creating an experience that encourages the audience to make connections and discover each object anew.

Iconic pieces that will go on auction include Charles Haupt’s Num Num Tables, Conrad Hicks’ Copper Chaise, David Krynauw’s Haywire Chandelier, Dokter and Misses’ Kassena Isibheqe, John Murray and Paco Pakdoust’s rug collaboration titled Oust, Meyer von Wielligh’s Leaf Sideboard, the Southern Guild Chair by Anatomy Design in collaboration with Nicky Levenberg, Xandre Kriel’s Vos Altar and Porky Hefer’s fantastical Fallen Bird’s Nests.

Contemporary Living: Art, Craft & Design includes additional Southern Guild pieces by Adam Birch, Chuma Maweni and Madoda Fani, Heino Schmitt Design, Jesse Ede, Mock Mock, OKHA and Stanislaw Trzebinski.

Contemporary Living: Art, Craft & Design can be previewed at Christie’s, South Kensington 1-4 April, with the auction taking place on 5 April.


© Wanted 2024 - If you would like to reproduce this article please email us.
X