FEATURES ARCHIVE

The 1 December Interiors sale will offer an irresistible selection of modern designs from the collection of Gordon Watson. Having established one of the first 20th century design galleries in London, Gordon Watson is a respected dealer and tastemaker in the field. Gordon gives us his thoughts on his favourite piece in the sale, how to start collecting, and his most precious decorating book.

When and how did you first become interested in modern design?
It seems like I‘ve been collecting all my life. As a child I was never happier than when I was rummaging around local antiques shops. My first job was in the Antiquities department at Sotheby‘s where I met my future partner Lewis Kaplan, who was one of the first contemporary art dealers in London. At his home in Chelsea, William de Morgan‘s old studio, I saw modern Italian furniture by Mangiarotti and de Sede combined with paintings by Hockney, Bacon and Freud; it blew me away. When we opened our first gallery in London I was determined to combine all the facets of the art world that I loved. We sold Greek, Roman and Indian antiquities, contemporary art and 20th century furniture all in one small space and I guess I haven‘t changed. Beautiful objects from all periods, when put together, can stand the test of time.

What is your favourite piece in this collection?
I‘m particularly attached to the pith group of 19th century Southern Indian Judges. I bought the group from Richard Timewell, a furniture expert in the 1960s and also the partner of the legendary decorator John Fowler. On my first trip to Morocco I was invited to his exquisite home, ‘Villa Leon d‘Afrique‘ in Tangier, and remember being served ice-cold freshly squeezed tomato juice in a small gilded tea glass. I noticed the pith figures in their drawing room and fell in love with them instantly. Little did I know I would be able to buy them 15 years later. I love the detailing of the costumes and I so relate to their corpulent figures!

What is it about a piece of furniture that makes you want to own it? Is there a particular style, shape or colour perhaps that always captures your eye?
I like shopping. It's what I do best. So I don‘t really have a favourite style or finish or shape, I am simply drawn to quality. I love wood to have patina. In my field there is a tendency to over-restore and over-polish pieces, but I am in favour of a more natural effect.

Whose house have you visited which has been truly inspiring or impressive?
Over the past 30 years of dealings I‘ve been lucky enough to stay in some incredible places. The home of Janet de Botton and her late husband Gilbert, "Les Pradelles" in Provence, France was amongst the most truly inspiring and impressive. Having seen the estate as they originally bought it, I watched both the land and house evolve over the following years.

“It‘s the most comfortable place I have ever stayed in my life.”
- Lord Jacob Rothschild, American Vogue, September 2004 

The extraordinary eye for detail and the passion for the comfort of guests make it one of the most inspiring and impressive homes I have ever visited.

What advice would you give to a novice collector in today‘s market?
My advice would be to associate one‘s self with a reputable dealer or a member of an auction house; visit their premises, be charming, ask questions, buy from them, and gradually you will learn from their expertise. Then, when your knowledge is more firmly based, you will be able to add to your collection with great confidence.

Is there one rule that is eternally indispensable when choosing furniture?
Yes there is one rule. Always handle an object, examine it, get down on your hands and knees (or ask someone else you trust) to look at a piece of furniture. Look underneath, take out the drawers and check if there is wear to the feet. Examine it inside out.

What is your favourite book?
My favourite book on decoration is my great friend Hamish Bowles‘ fantastically photographed and written Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People. However for reading, my favourite book is usually the last one I read, so it would be Hilary Mantel‘s Cromwell.