Four out-of-this-world Barney Bubbles pieces and a wild Practical Styling bookcase to feature in the Out Of The Ordinary sale at Christie’s in September
//Left: The Ian Dury Cocktail Cabinet. Right: The AC/DC Desk//
//Left: The Rebel, signed ‘Sal ’81’. Right: The Tree Of Drawers//
//Practical Styling bookcase. Lithographically printed and faux marble. The top section enclosing two adjustable shelves, above three doors enclosing a further three shelves. 87in (223 cm) high; 74 in (188 cm) wide; 20 in (51 cm) deep//
Four extraordinary works by the late Barney Bubbles are to feature in Christie’s Out Of The Ordinary sale, the annual event which is fast becoming one of the highlights of the auction calendar.
//Cocktail cabinet designed by Barney Bubbles 1981. Made by Marius Cain. Laminated wood with gold and silver flecks. 31 in (78.5 cm) high; 30 in (76 cm) wide; 30 in (76 cm) deep//
The sale includes three of Bubbles’ unusual furniture designs – entitled The AC/DC Desk, The Ian Dury Cocktail Cabinet and The Tree Of Drawers – and one of his paintings, The Rebel (which is signed ‘Sal ’81’).
//Desk and stool design by Barney Bubbles 1982. Made by Marius Cain. Laminated and painted wood, with apertures in the top for the plug-shaped stool. 29in (76 cm) high; 54in(138 cm) wide; 30 in (76 cm) deep//
//Tree Of Drawers designed by Barney Bubbles. Made by Marius Cain. Maccassar ebony, birdseye maple, mahogany and ebonised wood, signed and dated to underside of drawers, Marius Cain, 80. 60in (153 cm) high; 66in (168 cm) wide; 17in (45 cm) deep at base//
//Painting by Barney Bubbles. Oil on canvas. Inscribed and dated ‘Sal ’81’ (lower right). 28¾ x 28½ in (73 x 72.4 cm)//
I have contributed text on these pieces – as well as a rare and impressive bookcase sold through Practical Styling, the central London home-wares outlet operated by Paul Jones and Tommy Roberts in the 80s – to the Out Of the Ordinary catalogue.
//My essay on Bubbles, Practical Styling and early 80s British design in the Out Of The Ordinary catalogue//
Out Of The Ordinary takes place on September 10 at Christie’s auction rooms in South Kensington, London. Viewing of the sale items begins on August 3. See here.
View and buy the catalogue here.
Read more about Bubbles’ excursions into furniture design here.