BILLINGS MARCH AUCTIONS: PRESENTING INAUGURAL MODERN DESIGN FOR OUTDOOR LIVING AND SPRING MODERN ART + DESIGN
BILLINGS is excited to introduce our inaugural Modern Design for Outdoor Living auction. It is scheduled to take place at 10AM PST on March 2nd, 2024. The focus of this sale is exclusively on outdoor furniture, accessories, and other garden oddities that reflect and enhance the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of Southern California. The catalog can be viewed online now at www.billingsauction.com.
VIOLA FREY (American, 1933-2004)
Monumental 'Pink Amazon Nude,' 1988-1989
Glazed ceramic in 18 parts. Studio-made in California.
Artist Legacy Foundation no. VF-3014CS.
The crown jewel of the sale is a monumental reclining female figure by important American ceramicist Viola Frey. Accompanying this monumental piece is an essay by independent curator and ceramics specialist Meaghan Roddy. Through her perceptive analysis, Roddy explains how Viola Frey's nudes embody "the power of nakedness," transcending inherent vulnerabilities, conveying power "by simply being." Read the complete essay on BILLINGS’ website at www.billingsauction.com/viola-frey.
In addition, the auction features extensive collections from Walter Lamb, Mario Papperzini, Paolo Soleri and Architectural Pottery, alongside unique examples of rustic, industrial, and European furniture, planters, swings, and bells.
The BILLINGS Spring 2024 Modern Art + Design auction is scheduled to take place at 10AM PDT on March 30th. As always with these quarterly auctions, it presents an exceptionally curated collection of mid-century and contemporary furniture, art, lighting and more by icons of modern design. The upcoming sale will feature an exquisite array of Italian, American, Brazilian, and Scandinavian design pieces, along with fine art selections that are sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
MARIO BELLINI
Nine-part 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, 1970s
Leather, stained wood, chrome, nylon cording. Manufactured by C&B Italia, Italy.
Estimate: $30,000-50,000
A standout piece in the Italian design category is the exceptional nine-piece ‘Camaleonda’ sectional sofa by renowned designer Mario Bellini. This set is the largest ever to be offered on the auction market. Additionally, an illuminated ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror by Ettore Sottsass, from his ‘Mobili Grigi’ series of 1970, will be showcased.
Representing American design are four Doyle Lane weed pots and a striking Steve Chase illuminated sectional sofa, in addition to pieces by Charles + Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia and George Nelson.
The sale will also feature works by Brazilian modernists Guiseppe Scapinelli, Jorge Zalszupin, and Sergio Rodrigues, including a rare ‘Eleh’ desk and bench.
Leading our Scandinavian design offerings are several works by Poul Kjaerholm, such as a PK80 daybed and PK24 chaise lounge. Works by Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Ole Wanscher fill out this category.
In the fine art category, notable pieces include Kara Walker’s ‘Freedom, A Fable Bound’ pop-up book, a Norton Family Christmas gift from 1997, a cast stone ‘Hedgehog’ sculpture by Beniamino Benevenuto Bufano, and a significant large sculpture by late American sculptor Beverly Pepper.
Don’t miss the opportunity to acquire these exceptional pieces representing the pinnacle of international design and fine art. They not only showcase the artists’ talent and creativity but serve as timeless investments for any collector. From Poul Kjaerholm’s sleek and minimalist designs to Kara Walker’s thought-provoking narratives, each piece tells a unique story, adding depth and character to any space. Incorporating these works into a collection will add sophistication and culture to any home.
BILLINGS Modern Design for Outdoor Living
2124 Sacramento Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Auction
March 2, 10am (Lots 1 - 197)
Preview
February 24: 9am - 2pm
February 26: 10am - 4pm
February 27: 10am - 4pm
February 28: 10am - 4pm
February 29: 10am - 4pm
March 01: 10am - 4pm
Preview Reception
March 01: 6pm - 9pm
BILLINGS Spring Modern Art + Design
2124 Sacramento Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Auction
March 30, 10am (Lots 1 - 375)
Preview
March 23: 9am - 2pm
March 25: 10am - 4pm
March 26: 10am - 4pm
March 27: 10am - 4pm
March 28: 10am - 4pm
March 29: 10am - 4pm
Preview Party
March 29: 6pm - 9pm
Founded in 2015 to address an absence of curated channels in Los Angeles' design market, BILLINGS offers a platform for the sale of quality modern design, furniture, art, and decorative objects.
BILLINGS’ quarterly auctions feature 300-400+ lots spanning from the pedigreed to anonymous, classic to unusual, and rare to noteworthy. Heavily weighted in mid-century modern selections from the 1960s to the early 2000s, BILLINGS’ catalogs represent a wide range of American and international art and design.
BILLINGS' in-house live auctions are accessible online, with options to bid in-person, online, as an absentee or by phone. Registration and pre-bidding begin three weeks before each sale.
For more information and press inquiries, contact Rich Carmichael at info@billingsauction.com or by phone at 213-584-2240.