Junk shop Carlo Bugatti throne chair in line for thousands

An ornate chair bought from a junk shop forty years ago for just £20 has turned out to be a rare Carlo Bugatti throne chair. The chair could now be worth up to £5,000 when it goes under the hammer in Essex next month.

The chair was originally bought from a Stevenage junk shop by the vendor who was unaware of its current value when he bought it into Sworders‘ Hertford office to get an idea of its worth. Auctioneer and valuer Daniel Webster instantly recognised the design and maker of the chair, and was able to tell the gentlemen that it could now command thousands.

The distinctive item is a Carlo Bugatti Throne Chair, designed in 1900 by the Italian sculptor and furniture maker.

The item takes its inspiration from Moorish, Japanese and Islamic cultures of the late 19th century. It was made with wrapped copper and pewter, inlaid bone and vellum on a turned wood frame, the seat and back resembling a drum, the back support a hookah pipe.

Eagle-eyed movie fans may recognise its iconic design from the opening of the 2017 sci-fi film, Alien Covenant. In the sequence, Michael Fassbender’s synthetic android David is witnessed sitting in a Bugatti throne chair.

The Decorative Art and Design sale takes place in Stansted Mountfitchet on October 9. The chair is expected to achieve £5000-7000.