The auction of historic design by Wannenes decisively exceeded market expectations, confirming the growing interest in 20th-century furniture and objects.
How did the auction of historic design by Wannenes conclude?
The session by Wannenes dedicated to design, held on February 26 and 27, recorded a total realization of 1,432,615 euros. The sell-through rate reached 72.08% for lots and 229.34% for value, almost doubling the total reserves set in the catalog.
Overall, these numbers confirm a selective market but one willing to decisively reward quality, rarity, and interesting provenance. Additionally, the response from collectors highlighted a particular attention to pieces with a strong formal identity.
Why are 1930s and 1940s furniture increasingly sought after?
According to the auction house, the outcome of the sale highlights a growing preference for evocative furniture from the 1930s and 1940s. These are often objects characterized by balanced volumes, fine finishes, and a domestic dimension that is still very current.
Furthermore, the rarity of some materials no longer available on the market contributes to strengthening the interest of collectors. This aspect, combined with the difficulty of finding well-preserved specimens, supports the increases in the room and online.
Which lots have more than multiplied the estimates?
Several lots exceeded initial expectations by a wide margin, achieving striking results compared to estimates. Emblematic is lot 59, a pair of silvered bronze vases “Exploration of the Poles”, by an anonymous author but with a strong sculptural personality.
Made in Great Britain or Scandinavia in the 1920s, the vases measure approximately 36x24x27 cm. Initially estimated at 1,500–2,000 euros, they were awarded at 20,150 euros, marking a value increase of more than ten times the range indicated in the catalog.
What results did Ponti, Barovier, and Iribe achieve?
A similar exploit concerns lot 424, with six model 969 chairs by Gio Ponti, produced by Montina in the 1980s. In lacquered wood and upholstered fabric, with dimensions of approximately 83x43x45 cm, they were estimated at 2,400–2,600 euros and also reached 20,150 euros.
Also noteworthy is the lamp attributed to Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso (lot 53). Starting from a base of 1,800–2,200 euros, it rose to 16,400 euros, confirming the appeal of historic Murano glass on international collecting.
No less significant are the Nautilus armchairs by Paul Iribe (lot 125), awarded at 15,150 euros. In this case too, the combination of iconic line and rarity on the secondary market pushed the bids, in line with the growing interest in French historic design.
What was the curatorial strategy behind the success?
As highlighted by experts Giacomo Abate and Andrea Schito, the result is the fruit of a rigorous selection aimed at avoiding the ordinary. The goal was to build a catalog of objects capable of conveying exclusivity, executive quality, and a recognizable history.
That said, another determining factor was international participation, with French collectors playing a leading role. This data confirms the strengthening of the reputation of the Wannenes Design department on the European scene, in line with the growth recorded by other sector auction houses, as also documented by Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
What are the prospects for upcoming design auctions?
Attention is now focused on the “Forme | Selezione Milano” sale on April 23, which will offer a monographic selection dedicated to Toni Cordero. The initiative is part of a program aimed at enhancing key figures of Italian and international design.
In 2025, the design department of Wannenes has already closed with a total turnover of 4,871,708 euros. This data consolidates the auction house’s position in the historic design landscape, indicating a sustained growth trajectory and an increasingly aware demand, as also highlighted by market analysis by Artprice.
In summary, the February sale confirms the centrality of historic design in the current market, rewarding catalogs built with curatorial care, attention to provenance, and openness to a demanding international audience.
“`image: Lot 424_GIO PONTI_Eight chairs mod. 969. Lacquered wood, upholstered fabric. Production Montina, 1980s_cm 83x43x45
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
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