Conran Collection offers stylish buys

Highlights from the personal collection of Sir Terence Conran, who did more to transform the modern British home than any other designer, will go under the hammer at Bonhams in December.

Conran is widely recognised as democratising good design and changing how people thought about their material lives. Through the launch of his Habitat stores and The Conran Shop, Conran brought modern design to the masses. A designer and a trendsetter, his personal taste was renowned.

Highlights of the upcoming sale include:

A large collection of maquettes of furniture made by Sir Terence Conran, with estimates from £200 to £2,000.

Richard Smith (British, 1931-2016), Green Abstract. Estimate: £10,000 – 15,000.

A Bugatti Type 52 Replica motorised “27 T 52” model car painted in Conran blue. Estimate: £6,000 – 8,000.

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005), A Collection of 9 lithographs. Each variously signed, dated and inscribed to Sir Terence Conran. Estimate: £4,000 – 6,000.

Sir Terence Conran’s desk. A large walnut desk of rectangular form with a frieze drawer and extending flanks to each side with a sliding under tier to the right side, 255cm wide x 100cm deep x 74cm high. Estimate: £3,000-3,500.

Wine from Sir Terence Conran’s personal cellar will also be offered.

Harvey Cammell, Bonhams Global Director, Valuations & Private Collections, commented: “Sir Terence Conran was a titan of modern design, and his influence can be seen in homes across Britain and far beyond. It is a rare privilege to be auctioning his personal collection which includes examples of some of his most famous furniture designs, as well as his fascinating collection of artworks from his beloved home at Barton Court in Berkshire. The eclectic mix of items reveals Sir Terence’s phenomenal eye for design and gives a unique insight into the inspiration behind some of his own creations. I’m sure this sale will spark much excitement for lovers of design and for all those who are inspired by Conran’s incredible legacy.”

Victoria, Lady Conran said: “Terence lived at Barton Court for more than 40 years. It was there that he brought his philosophy about good design to life within his own home. A workspace and a source of inspiration, Barton Court helped shape his legacy, and bring it back to his own family home. I am delighted to be able to share my husband’s exceptional taste with a wider audience – as indeed he did throughout his life.”

Sir Terence Conran (1931-2020) was a designer, restaurateur, retailer and writer. He opened his first Habitat shop in Chelsea in 1964, which soon expanded into a chain which brought stylish and affordable design to the masses. By the time The Conran Shop opened its first store in 1973, Conran’s name had become synonymous with good taste. Across his illustrious career, Conran also founded architectural practices, wrote numerous books, and launched award-winning restaurants, including renowned restaurant Bibendum in the converted former Michelin building. In 1989 he founded the Design Museum in London.

The sale, Sir Terence Conran, The Contents of Barton Court, will take place on December 14 in London.