Auction Alert: 20th Century Art and Design sale

Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien bird ashtray

A 20th Century Art and Design sale takes place on Tuesday 26th September 2023 at 4pm. It’s being held by Gildings Auctioneers who are based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

There’s so much on offer that we simply love; mid-century modern items and contemporary art by a couple of my favourite female linocut artists – Angie Lewin and Angela Harding. My favourite item though – although I’ve never smoked – is a cute, metalwork ashtray in the shape of a bird produced by Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien in Austria.

The auction house’s buyer’s premium is 24% inc. VAT (with a minimum charge of £8) on top of the hammer price of each lot.

Keith Murray for Wedgwood, ribbed globe Football vase

Lot 543: Keith Murray for Wedgwood, a ribbed globe Football vase

Shape 4196, Moonstone glaze, facsimile signature above ‘Wedgwood Made in England’ in green, height 18.5cm.
Estimate: £100 – £150

A Nursery Alphabet mug designed by Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood

Lot 545: A Nursery Alphabet mug

Designed by Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood. With blue banding, factory backstamp, 8.3cm high.
Estimate: £200 – £300

Eric Ravillious, Letter Makers - The Luminor Sign Co.

Lot 546: Eric Ravillious, Letter Makers – The Luminor Sign Co.

Unsigned, lithograph, 21 x 14cm.
Estimate: £150 – £200

Set of five ALIG Imperial Glass Company highball glasses

Lot 549: Set of five ALIG Imperial Glass Company highball glasses

Spanish Windows design, gilt outlines, each 15cm. (5)
Estimate: £100 – £200

Oiva Toikka for Iittala - Bullfinch glass bird

Lot 551: Oiva Toikka for Iittala, a Bullfinch glass bird

Applied label, 14cm.
Estimate: £50 – £80

Svensk Gense Swedish ebony and stainless-steel cutlery set

Lot 552: Svensk Gense Swedish ebony and stainless-steel cutlery set

Swedish ebony and stainless-steel cutlery set, Focus de Luxe design.
Estimate: £100 – £150

Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien bird ashtray

Lot 555: A 1950s novelty ashtray, by Hagenauer

Designed in the form of a bird with a triangular body, the tail forming the cigarette rest, stamped ‘Handmade HAGENAUER WIEN’, ‘Made in Austria, with wHw logo, width 14,5cm, height 13cm.
Estimate: £80 – £120

Angela Harding, British, 20th century, 'Hare Run'

Lot 592: Angela Harding, British, 20th century, Hare Run

Limited edition colour print, signed, titled and numbered 2/45, 44x46cm, and another print, winter scene, 32x41cm. (2)
Estimate: £100 – £200

Angie Lewin, British, 20th century, 'The Moonlit Cup'

Lot 593: Angie Lewin, British, 20th century, The Moonlit Cup

Signed, titled, marked ‘A/P’ artist proof in pencil, linocut, image 56.5x43cm.
Estimate: £80 – £120

Paul Karslake - 'Frankie', painted cabinet 2014


Lot 644: Paul Karslake FRSA, (1958-2020) Frankie, 2014


An original spray-painted and lacquered cabinet, fitted with cupboard above two drawers, the front painted with an iconic image of Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster, with lace and cracked line design to top and sides, signed and dated 2014, width 81cm, depth 50cm, height 115cm. Acquired 2019 from Linda Karslake Paint Studio, Selby.
Estimate: £300 – £500

Auction Alert: The Collection of Marie-Claude Lalique

Lalique Crystal Paperweight, Eagle Tête d'Aigle Head

We’ve featured the work of René Lalique on a few occasions here on the blog. However, the Collection of Marie-Claude Lalique (René’s granddaughter) must be the largest, single-owner selection and the highest quality examples of his works we’ve ever seen!

272 lots are available; jewellery, drinkware, serveware, furniture, desk accessories etc. will be sold on Sunday 10th Sep 2023, 2pm EDT.

The upcoming auction of Marie-Claude Lalique, granddaughter of renowned glass artist Rene Lalique, is set to be a momentous event, featuring over 250 Lalique items encompassing vases, bowls, perfume bottles, furniture, figurines, and more. This exceptional assembly pays homage to Lalique’s legacy, showcasing the seamless fusion of artistry and functionality that characterizes their style.

The sale takes place in Florida via the Lion and Unicorn saleroom; therefore, estimates are in US dollars. International shipping is possible – so bidding isn’t a problem if you’re based elsewhere! There’s a buyer’s premium (inc. VAT/sales tax) of 25% on top of the final hammer price.

Lalique Green Crystal Cabochon Bracelet

Lot 2: Lalique Green Crystal Cabochon Bracelet

Bracelet with five crystal cabochons and a fold-over clasp. Lalique France stamped inside and on the clasp. Dimensions: 7.5″L x 1″W
Estimate: $200 – $800

2pc Lalique Aqua Blue Crystal Cabochon Bracelet and 14K Gold Ring

Lot 3: 2pc Lalique Aqua Blue Crystal Cabochon Bracelet and 14K Gold Ring

14k stamped inside band. Ring size 7. Bracelet with five aqua crystal cabochons and measures 7.5″L x 1″W. Lalique France stamp.
Estimate: $200 – $800

Lalique Crystal Car Mascot, Victoire Mascot, Paperweight

Lot 17: Lalique Crystal Cactus Perfume Bottle

A fogged crystal perfume bottle made to resemble a cactus with black points for the cactus spikes. Signed Lalique France. Dimensions: 3.25″L x 3.25″W x 4″H
Estimate: $10 – $200

Lalique Crystal Perfume Bottle, Duncan

Lot 25: Lalique Crystal Perfume Bottle, Duncan

A clear bottle with reliefs of nude dancers on frosted center panel on both the front and back. Includes frosted stopper. Lalique France etched on the base. Dimensions: 3.5″L x 2″W x 7.74″H
Estimate: $200 – $800

Lalique Crystal Coffee Table, Three Lioness

Lot 43: Lalique Crystal Coffee Table, Three Lioness

Astonishing four curved frosted glass panels delicately embossed with an art deco style of leopards in the forest. The panels are mounted into the chrome base and secured by channels. Signed Lalique France. Issued: c. 1990
Estimate: $8,000 – $20,000

Marie-Claude Lalique: Three Panel with Glass Flowers Screen

Lot 44: Marie-Claude Lalique (French, 1935-2003) Three Panel with Glass Flowers Screen

Rare, one-of-a-kind, handmade by Marie-Claude Lalique. Wood frame with bronze hardware. The mixed media design of relief glass flowers and branches with dominate colors of black, silver, and gold was used. Signature painted lower right panel MC Lalique. Artist: Marie-Claude Lalique (French, 1935-2003)
Estimate: $15,000 – $22,000

Rene Lalique Femme Face Plaque and Frame

Lot 50: Rene Lalique Femme Face Plaque and Frame

A heavily molded plaque of a woman’s face with pearl decoration in contrasting frosted and clear glass. This is an original Lalique glass plaque exclusively designed and created by Rene Lalique. This plaque is attributed to the original Cote D’Azur Pullman Express, A deluxe train which ran from December 9, 1929, Until May circa 1932. The design elements, glassware and interior design elements for the train’s restaurant cars were provided by Lalique. Lalique’s founder, René Lalique, was commissioned to create decorative panels, lighting fixtures, and glassware for the train, which was renowned for its opulence and extravagance. These pieces are highly coveted by collectors and are considered to be valuable artifacts of the train’s history. Dimensions: 13″L x 13″W x 1.5″H
Estimate: $5,000 – $8,000

Lalique Crystal Paperweight, Eagle Tête d'Aigle Head

Lot 64: Lalique Crystal Paperweight, Eagle Tête d’Aigle Head

This Lalique sculpture of an Eagle Head, known as Tête d’Aigle, is a stunning piece of art that was originally designed as a car radiator cap, this sculpture features a combination of frosted and clear crystal. Signed Lalique France. Dimensions: 5.5″L x 3″W x 4.5″H
Estimate: $200 – $800

Lalique Crystal Car Mascot, Victoire Mascot, Paperweight

Lot 77: Lalique Crystal Car Mascot, Victoire Mascot, Paperweight

Victoire is a story of peace, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the November 11th, 1918, armistice of World War I. The suggestion of speed and movement is evident in Victoire’s beautiful face. The artistic combination of satin-finish, clear crystal and light bring Victoire to life. Signed Lalique, France. Dimensions: 10″L x 3.25″W x 5.5″H
Estimate: $10 – $200

23pc Lalique Crystal Fish Figurines in Original Lalique Display Tank

Lot 89: 23pc Lalique Crystal Fish Figurines in Original Lalique Display Tank

A display case made of acrylic ad metal accents and a white base that displays 23 Lalique crystal fish of various colors. Includes interior stands to hold fish figurines. Lalique backstamp on the metal frame. Each fish signed Lalique France. Each fish measures: 2″L x 1″W x 1.75″H. Dimensions: 16″L x 8″W x 12.5″H
Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000

Lalique Black Crystal Auroch Taureau Bull Figure

Lot 95: Lalique Black Crystal Auroch Taureau Bull Figure

A bull that that has its head down and is prepared to charge. Signed Lalique France. Dimensions: 5.75″L x 3.25″W x 4.5″H
Estimate: $200 – $800

Lalique Crystal Bowl, Erimaki

Lot 176: Lalique Crystal Bowl, Erimaki

Clear round vessel with amber decor of stylized lizard circling the top. Dimensions: 10″W x 9″H
Estimate: $800 – $2,000

Lalique Crystal Ashtray Sudan Pattern, Square Chevron Design

Lot 185: Lalique Crystal Ashtray Sudan Pattern, Square Chevron Design

This square ashtray or small dish from has a visually appealing design, featuring a clear crystal adorned with a textured Chevron pattern. Signed Lalique, France. Dimensions: 6.25″L x 4.5″W x 2″H
Estimate: $10 – $200

Lalique Crystal Whiskey Decanter, Femmes

Lot 199: Lalique Crystal Whiskey Decanter, Femmes

Staggering decanter with stopper decorated with frosted raised women. Marked Lalique France to bottom. Dimensions: 5.25″L x 4″W x 10″H
Estimate: $200 – $800

6pc Lalique Crystal Wine Goblets, Frejus

Lot 226: 6pc Lalique Crystal Wine Goblets, Frejus

Clear glass with twisted stem. Lalique etched mark. Dimensions: 2.5″L x 2.5″W x 6″H
Estimate: $200 – $800

7pc Lalique Crystal Swizzle Sticks and Glass, Roxanne

Lot 236: 7pc Lalique Crystal Swizzle Sticks and Glass, Roxanne

Elegant frosted and clear crystal cocktail stirrers in a pleasant design, 4.5″L. Glass is 3″H x 2.25″dia. Lalique France etched mark. Issued: c. 1968
Estimate: $10 – $200

8pc Lalique Breakfast Service Set, Soleil

Lot 258: 8pc Lalique Breakfast Service Set, Soleil

Discontinued pattern. Elegant and lightweight porcelain breakfast service set. Design features a cerulean blue ground with abstract geometric yellow gold and green shapes around edges. Includes coffee pot, creamer, sugar bowl, mini tureen, two cups, and two saucers. Lalique Porcelain de Limoges marked to bases. Coffee pot measures 9″L x 4.75″W x 7″H. Issued: 1993-1997
Estimate: $800 – $2,000

Designer Desire: Nanny Still

Montage of Nanny Still glass designs

Nanny Still (1926-2009) was a mid-century Finnish glass designer. She’s also known by her married name, Nanny Still-McKinney.

She designed for Riihimäki for approaching 3 decades; from her graduation from the University of Art and Design, Helsinki in 1947 until the 1970s. Some of her ranges include Polaris, Neptuna, Harlekiini (Harlequin), Fantasma, Majakka (Lighthouse) and Pajazzo.

In 1972, she was presented with the Pro Finlandia Medal for Meritorious Artists of the Order of the Lion of Finland.

In 1959, she and her husband moved to Belgium; whilst living there, she created designs for Rosenthal from 1977. Some of the Studio Linie series that she produced for them include Arabesk, Taiga and my favourite – Blütenregen – which roughly translates as ‘blossom shower’.

You can readily acquire examples of her glassware on eBay and Etsy and Tradera.

There’s a 1995 catalogue available entitled, Nanny Still, 45 Years of Design from an exhibition held at both Riihimäki Lasimuseo and the Glass Museum of Charleroi in Belgium.

Portrait of Nanny Still holding one of her Polaris bottlescredit

Additional image credits:
Bukowskis

Designer Desire: Georges Briard

Montage of Georges Briard Designs

The name Georges Briard may sound very French, but he was, in fact, a mid-century modern American product designer. Briard (1917-2005) was born Jakub Brojdo in Ukraine, but it was in America – where he immigrated to in 1937 – took to marking his commercial designs with his now very well known signature.

Mostly known for his huge output of decorative glassware, he also designed an array of other barware such as ice buckets, bar tools, ashtrays and cocktail napkins. Necessary accoutrements for a 1950s home bar!

We currently have for sale on our shop website, new old stock enamel tiles designed by him in the 1960s (some included in the montage above).

I absolutely adore his ceramics from the Graphics ovenware range, decorated with a bold monochrome font and fine gold-painted edging (some of which are shown in the montage above).

His wares were stocked in prestigious department stores such as Neiman Marcus. Today, examples of his work are available on eBay. You rarely find Georges Briard pieces outside the USA; prices are anything from a few dollars to hundreds and even into the thousands for his furniture.

There is a book entitled Fifties & Sixties Glass, Ceramics, & Enamel Wares: Designed & Signed by George Briard, Sascha Brastoff, Bellaire, Higgins… that features his work amongst a few others.

Portrait of Georges Briardcredit

Additional image credits:
1stDibs | Chairish | Diamond Dust Vintage | Retro Solstice