Christie's Beverly Hills to Host '50 Chairs at Christie's' Exhibition Curated by Basic.Space

Christie's Beverly Hills is set to host a significant selling exhibition titled "50 Chairs at Christie's," a curated collection of 50 chairs that artfully bridges the gap between established design classics and innovative contemporary works. This event is orchestrated by Basic.Space, a platform founded in 2020 by Jesse Lee, whose mission is to redefine luxury for a new demographic of collectors. Lee's vision for the exhibition is to foster "discovery," a principle deeply embedded in Basic.Space's ethos and its ecosystem of designers, artists, and creatives. The platform has actively cultivated its presence through immersive in-person experiences and strategic acquisitions, notably including the influential Design Miami, a renowned international forum for collectible design.

"50 Chairs at Christie's" aims to attract and cater to the "next generation of collectors" by presenting a diverse and compelling selection of seating. The exhibition will feature cult favorites, such as Gufram's monumental Pratone lounge chair, an iconic piece of radical design from the 1970s known for its organic, grass-like form, alongside timeless classics like Charles and Ray Eames' LCW (Lounge Chair Wood). The LCW featured in the exhibition is a particularly rare edition, upholstered in calfskin, highlighting its collectible status and historical significance within mid-century modern design.

The curated selection spans various eras and styles, showcasing contributions from esteemed designers, collectors, and galleries. On the historical spectrum, a hammered-brass chair from the 1970s, designed by the influential French artist and designer Philippe Hiquily, is presented by renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Further enriching the historical offerings, comedian, filmmaker, and dedicated design collector Eric Wareheim is parting with Joe Colombo's groundbreaking Elda Chair from 1963. This chair, a masterpiece of molded fiberglass, represents a pivotal moment in Italian futuristic design. Los Angeles-based furniture designer BASA is contributing the aforementioned oversized Pratone lounge chair by Gufram, emphasizing its sculptural presence. Collectors Giampiero Tagliaferri and Adrien Dewulf have lent a CL9 ribbon chair, demonstrating the breadth of collectible design beyond more widely recognized names.

The contemporary segment of the exhibition leans heavily on pieces sourced from leading collectible design galleries, underscoring the current pulse of the design world. Carpenters Workshop Gallery, a prominent international gallery, is bringing Rick Owens' Stag Stool. This limited edition piece, crafted from black plywood and natural moose antler, exemplifies Owens' distinctive fusion of fashion and furniture design. The Future Perfect, another influential gallery, has supplied Seoul-based artist SeungJin Yang's Lounge Chair 01 – Transparent Blue. This innovative piece, ingeniously formed from balloons and resin, highlights experimental material use and a playful approach to form. Sam Klemick's Trumpet Dining Chair is also featured, a testament to the successful integration of textile fluidity into solid wood construction, creating a piece that is both visually dynamic and tactile. By juxtaposing these historical design icons with avant-garde contemporary creations, "50 Chairs at Christie's" offers a comprehensive overview of seating design, aiming to engage and inspire a new wave of design enthusiasts and collectors.