Totally Bowled Over with New Auction Room
The inaugural auction held in TW Gaze’s newly commissioned bespoke building, The Waveney Room, took place on Saturday 7 July. 680 lots of modern design shone out in the bright gallery-like space, flooded with natural light; the perfect stage for a specialist sale such as this, which attracts a world-wide audience several times a year.
Director Elizabeth Talbot said “This light, airy, purpose-built auction venue has been many years in the planning and what better way to launch it than with one of our flag ship special sales?”
“For many years James Bassam, our renowned specialist in 20th and 21st Century art and design, has compiled some wonderful headlining Modern Design auctions in surroundings which, whilst characterful and perfect for other designated sales, have not been ideal for his purpose. Now we are proud to share our new facility which will be the ideal showcase for some very worthy auctions and events, long into the future. These will complement our ongoing regular weekly auctions, which will continue to grow and develop elsewhere on our busy site.”
Despite the fine, hot and sunny day, not to mention the possible distraction of England’s World Cup football match, a strong attendance at the sale was bolstered further by competitive live on-line bidding and large numbers of written bids.
Designer glass, ceramics, furniture, textiles, art and sculpture were all in abundance and the combined effect certainly added to the “Wow!” factor experienced by all those who attended. Excitement was heighted by the day’s star lot, a small stone ware bowl by the famous German-born potter Hans Coper (1920 – 1981). Measuring just 15cm diameter it was decorated with scraffito abstract detail and silvered pitting. It eventually sold to an online-bidder who battled long and hard against the under bidder present in the room: despite sporting a re-glued chip to the rim, the modest little bowl realised an impressive £10,800.
“I was very happy with the whole sale, but the price achieved for the Hans Coper bowl was an amazing way to mark the opening of The Waveney Room!” commented sale organiser and Modern Design specialist, James Bassam.
Meanwhile, the opening of the The Waveney Room is phase one of Gaze’s current building project. Over the summer and autumn, stage two, the completion of a new Reception and offices will be followed by stage three, the fitting out of a new cafe immediately adjacent to The Waveney Room.
“Our intention is to continue to enhance the TW Gaze Auction Experience and for our clients to continue to enjoy it with us.” said Elizabeth Talbot.
