By Richard Brewster, on 09-Apr-2018

Leonard Joel's first Modern Design auction for 2018 is brimming with furniture, colour, sound and style, according to the auction house's Modern Design head Anna Grassham.

"The most exciting piece graces the catalogue cover," she says. "This is the Sonic Chair designed in 2007 by Frank Hussong, Daniela Reuter and Michael Kientzler and manufactured by Produktdesign Fritzlar – Holger Fritzlar."

The Sonic Chair designed in 2007 comes complete with a hi-fi system, iPad, speakers and various cables that connect to all modern day technology

The Sonic Chair designed in 2007 comes complete with a hi-fi system, iPad, speakers and various cables that connect to all modern day technology

The auction will be held on Monday April 16 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

Ms Grassham claims the chair could easily have flown in from outer space and comes complete with a hi-fi system, iPad, speakers and various cables that connect to all modern day technology.

"The chair's luxurious shape reflects a form and structure similar to that of a musical instrument, determined by its perfect acoustics," she says.

Awarded one of the most important international design prizes – The Red Dot Design Award – the Sonic Chair also was nominated for the Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany and carries a catalogue estimate of $5000-$7000.

Another interesting musical item is a Brionvega RR126 radiophonogram designed in 1965 by Achille & Piergiacomo Castiglioni.

The auction has a strong representation of beautifully styled European furniture and Ms Grassham believes that Scandinavian design in particular is back in full force – with sideboards and desks from solid oak and rosewood to enhance any living or workspace.

Of particular note is a French coffee table in the style of Paolo Piva and two Mazzega ceiling lights in the Carelo Nason style.

A 'Yo Yo' lamp is bound to intrigue auction goers, while a Karim Rashid 'Boasrt' chess art should have plenty of appeal to lovers of the game.

For those buyers wanting something supremely eye catching for the entrance hall of their home, the Guido Drocco and Franco Mello 'cactus' coat stand should offer the perfect solution.

Other offerings include an Antonio Citterio 'Arne' sofa for B&B Italia, a Curtis Jere 'horse' sculpture and a 1980s Carol McNicoll 44-piece Australian dinner set.

 

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About The Author

Richard Brewster has been writing about the antiques and art auction industry for almost 20 years, first in a regular weekly column for Fairfax's The Age newspaper and also in more recent times for his own website Australian Auction Review. With 45 years experience as a journalist and public relations consultant, in 1990 Richard established his own business Brewster & Associates in Melbourne, handling a wide range of clients in the building, financial, antiques and art auction industries.