DESIGN

All aspects of design are featured in this auction, including Memphis Design ceramics, glass and furniture from the Tom Watkins collection. Tom, the legendary pop impresario who managed the Pet Shop Boys and East 17, was a collector, whose early purchases included ceramics by Keith Murray and Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood, and Dame Laura Knight’s Circus designs produced by Clarice Cliff for the Art in Industry Exhibition held in 1934. He latterly fell in love with Italian design and, in particular, the Memphis Design studio and the work of Ettore Sottsass. Tom’s love of pop culture also led him to collect advertising signs, including a Krispy Kreme illuminated sign purchased on one of his many trips to Los Angeles.

Highlighting the Art Deco section of the auction is a rare Age of Jazz table centrepiece designed by Clarice Cliff. Complementing this figure is a private collection of Clarice Cliff vases including examples in Honolulu, Summerhouse and House and Bridge – all patterns which display Clarice’s exotic landscape designs.

by Leslie Illsley

Estimate £2,000–3,000

Above:

Tetes, (Ramie 221), a Madoura Pottery jug designed by Pablo Picasso

Estimate £500–1,000

A Memphis Pottery Reel vase designed by Ettore Sottsass

Estimate £600–1,000

(right)

A Memphis Pottery Alzata vase designed by Ettore Sottsass

Estimate £400–600

Estimate £3,000–4,000