It’s easy to style your home sustainably at auction the Art Deco way
28 March 2023 From the glamour of early Hollywood to New York City skyscrapers there is a specific and yet timeless appeal to Art Deco.
This pair of walnut veneered bedside tables is attributed to Lajos Kozma (1884-1948). They go under the hammer at Mallams’ Modern Living sale on Marc 29 with an estimate of £200-300.
This was the style that dominated the fashionable homes of Europe and the US during the 1920s and 30s, and it informed the design of architecture, jewellery, fashion and even ocean liners. Today it remains popular, combining a structural simplicity and geometric lines with high-quality craftsmanship and – often – a touch of historical whimsy.
Buying at auction, whether Deco originals or vintage reproductions, is healthy for two big reasons. First, it can elevate your interior, giving you a shot at a one-of-a-kind piece. Second, studies show that it is more sustainable than buying new.
Here we look at a few Art Deco pieces that can style your home sustainably.
According to a report commissioned by Auction Technology Group, buying an armchair second-hand saves 0.16 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared with buying one new. Why not go for this walnut and leather armchair offered at Victor Mee Auctions’ Finnstown House Hotel Collection sale, which runs from April 4-6. The estimate is €1000-2000.
In the same sale is this sideboard in the manner of Heals, which has an estimate of £200-400.
With a £100-150 estimate, this Art Deco 1933 and 34 silver, green and black enamelled dressing set by William Comyns & Sons of London could add a bright point to the bedroom. It goes under the hammer at Wolley & Wallis’ sale of April 18-19.
Buying a second-hand chest of drawers can equal a saving of 0.32 tonnes of CO2 emissions, according to the report mentioned above. This example is in the 1930s style, although it was actually made c.1940-50. In want of a little love, this vintage Art Deco style chest has an estimate of £40-60 at East Bristol Auctions on April 5.
Not a 1930s piece, but could add some dimension to the look. This 2007 spraypaint and stencil with applied glitter is by British artist Ben Eine and is titled Alphabet (Art Deco). It has an estimate of £1000-1500 at Tate Ward’s Urban and Contemporary Art sale of March 29.
