When it comes to the world of classic, high-end design, nothing beats the select inventory of the world's top auction houses for acquiring eclectic, one-of-a-kind pieces.
See our picks from upcoming design auctions around the world
The coming weeks are particularly rich with sales on either side of the Atlantic, mere geography of course posing no obstacle for the true aesthete, but to make things easier we've done some of the legwork, vetting the sellers and scouring the catalogues to bring you a few of our favourites (click any image for the full gallery). So do your bit to combat the global credit crunch, dig out your chequebook, gather your nerves, pick up a paddle, and get in on the action.
London
The journey starts here with a five-day Jens Risom furniture sale (see top picture) at the Rocket Gallery in Shoreditch (November 26 - 30) - not technically an auction but too wonderful to ignore. Mid-century classics by the Danish-born design legend, along with pieces by countrymen Poul Kjaerholm, Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, are on offer from £50 to £5,000.
Los Angeles
Next stop, California, for LA Modern's 20th Century Design and Fine Art auction (December 7). Our quick picks from the hundreds of tempting lots on show: a structured 1973 dining table by Enzo Mari ($6,000-7,000) (below)
a 1982 glass vase by Ettore Sottsass ($2,000-3,000)
and a sleek 1951 Tubino desk light by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni ($1,500-2,000).
Chicago
Pack a coat because we're on to Chicago for Important Design Session I at Wright (December 9), one of our favourite independent auction houses and a ready source of decorative inspiration. We're particularly enamoured by a pair of Finn Juhi adjustable-back armchairs ($35,000-40,000)
and, for something a little different, a two-person classic style school desk by Jean Prouvé ($5,000-7,000).
New York
If there's still change left in the kitty, hop on a quick flight to our final stop, Manhattan, for three events in one. The two big houses - Sotheby's and Christie's - are both holding their Important 20th Century Design auctions on December 18 and 15 respectively. If you're in the mood for a splurge, a George Nakashima English oak console table from the collection of Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller is a simple statement for (and these are all estimates) $100,000 - $150,000 from Sotheby's.
Or for something that might not require a second mortgage, Christie's is offering a leather, patinated metal and brass standing ashtray from Jacques Adnet (1940s) for $3,000 - $5,000.
In between, be sure to stop by Chelsea for Phillips de Pury's always impressive 'Design' sale on December 17. Our favourites here: a cute chrome-plated 'Rodeo Bull' bookend by Russel Wright (c. 1930, $12,000 - $18,000)
a nine-arm 'Hirondelles' wall light by Jean Royère (c. 1944, $20,000 - $30,000, pictured at the start of this article) and a boldly coloured shelving unit by Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé (c. 1952, $70,000 - $90,000).
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