Tartar centre table by Ettore Sottsass
David Bowie was a voracious collector of the works of eccentric Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and the Milan-based Memphis group. Sottsass’ ‘Tartar’ centre table, shown here, dates from 1985 and made from lacquered, plastic-laminated and stained wood. It proved popular at the Sotheby’s sale of the late singer’s collection, overtaking a £3000-5000 estimate and selling at £20,000.
Carlton room divider by Ettore Sottsass
This large ‘Carlton’ room divider designed 1981 by Ettore Sottsass was another large and striking pieces by the Italian architect and designer that featured in the Bowie collection. Made from plastic-laminated wood and measuring 6ft 6in (1.98m) high, it drew strong interest and surpassed a £5000-7000 estimate before it was eventually knocked down at £42,000.
Salt grinder and pepper mill by Ettore Sottsass
This salt grinder and pepper mill designed by Ettore Sottsass was one of lots in the David Bowie auction that looked like it might be relatively affordable before the sale. Estimated at just £100-150, they dated from 1989 and were hand-made. However a combination of demand for Sottsass, who was described by ‘The Guardian’ as “The Godfather of Italian cool” in 2014, and the provenance to the late singer ensured they generated substantial interest, eventually selling at £6000.
Cube Radio by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper
Sotheby’s sale of the David Bowie collection posted an auction record for a ‘Cube’ Radio by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper. Designed in 1963 and manufactured by Brionvega in Milan (model no: TS502), it is made from moulded ABS plastic and aluminium. Estimated at £150-250, it sold at £16,000.
'Tomato’ serving plates Michele de Lucchi
The David Bowie auction at Sotheby’s had 12 lots by Italian designer Michele de Lucchi, all of which drew strong competition against attractively low estimates. A pair of ‘Tomato’ serving plates (one shown) were part of a series of glazed earthenware pieces designed by de Lucchi in Milan in 1985 and made by Alessio Sarri Ceramiche for Memphis. They were estimated at just £200-300 but bidders pushed then to a final £3200.
