Photography: Collin Hughes
Interiors guru Jim Walrod’s personal collection of design pieces is heading for auction in Chicago, including Memphis icons and contemporary classics.
The designer (dubbed the ‘furniture pimp’ by Beastie Boys’ Mike D) passed away last year at the age of 56. He counted the likes of David Bowie and André Balazs among his eclectic client list.
Photography: Collin Hughes
Lot 100, Lapo Binazzi
MGM table lamp 1969, estimate: $7,000–9,000.
Lot 126, Ettore Sottsass
Sinus lamp, 1971. Estimate $1000-1500.
Lot 263, Robert Venturi with Denise Scott Brown
Queen Anne chai, 1985. Estimate $2,000–3,000.
Lot 316, Ettore Sottsass,
Totem, 1964. Estimate $700-900.
Walrod developed an enviable following for his bold interior stylings and encyclopedic knowledge of mid-century and postmodern design – witnessed in his personal collection, which will be sold via Chicago auction house Wright from 12pm on 3 May.
Said Walrod: ‘There are two maestros as far as I am concerned: Ettore Sottsass and Gaetano Pesce.’ Pieces by these 21st-century titans form the heart of his collection, including a lamp and a totem by the Memphis Group-founder and a cabinet by Pesce.
Among other covetable lots from Furniture Pimp: The Collection of Jim Walrod is a sculpture filled with ping pong balls by Nicola L., and artworks by Peter Halley and Barry McGee.
Key pieces will be displayed in New York at 980 Madison Avenue, and Chicago at 1440 West Hubbard Street from 25 April ahead of the auction.
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