Design – 20th Century Decorative Arts
Gregory’s presents at Palazzo Brazzetti – Bologna a new event dedicated to 20th-Century Design and Decorative Arts. The catalogue of Auction 97 brings together 263 lots including furniture, lighting, glass, ceramics, textiles and designer objects, offering an overview of twentieth-century design.
The furniture spans different periods and languages. From the Art Nouveau taste of the “Clématites” table étagère by Louis Majorelle, dating to around 1900, the catalogue moves to the 1930s with the bar cabinet by Melchiorre Bega, and then to the season of post-war Italian design. Here, highlights include the “D 154” chest of drawers by Carlo De Carli for Sormani, accompanied by a pair of bedside tables, the four “Tomasa” chairs by Paolo Uccello for Gavina, the “Sgarsul” by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova and furnishings by Gianfranco Frattini, Vico Magistretti and Osvaldo Borsani. Alongside furniture, the catalogue also includes textile design, represented by the “Aladino” rug from the “Bengala” series by Renata Bonfanti.
A particularly rich section is dedicated to lighting and Murano glass. The leading name is Venini, represented by a large 1970s suspension chandelier, the “Tolboi” floor lamp, the “Victor Victoria” wall lights and other glass pieces by the manufactory. Around this core are works by Luciano Vistosi, Barovier & Toso, Seguso, Carlo Nason and Lino Tagliapietra, offering a selection ranging from lighting fixtures to decorative glass.
The catalogue also looks at the more experimental experiences of the second half of the twentieth century and postmodern design. Ettore Sottsass is present with the “Manhattan” trolley for Memphis Milano, while the Memphis world returns in the “Crossing Chopped Stock Lamp (BIG)” by Richard Woods and in the “Riviera” chairs by Michele De Lucchi. Alongside these works are pieces by Nanda Vigo, Joe Colombo, Enzo Mari, Angelo Mangiarotti and Bruno Munari, testifying to the variety of approaches that characterizes the catalogue.
Finally, ample space is devoted to ceramics and designer objects. From the vases and tobacco box designed by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori, the selection extends to works by Giovanni Gariboldi, Antonia Campi and Pietro Melandri, while among the metal objects the silver carafe by Carlo Scarpa for Cleto Munari stands out. This section completes the story of the auction through different materials and techniques, confirming the variety that distinguishes 20th-century design and decorative arts.
Exhibition:
October 7th – 8th – 9th – 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
At Palazzo Brazzetti, Via San Vitale 13, Bologna.
The live auction will be Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 starting at 3:00 p.m. with the possibility of participating online, by telephone, or via written bid.
For any questions or requests, condition reports, or further information, please contact us:
Contact us by phone: 051 2960945
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