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AN INTERIOR BY FRANCOISE DE PFYFFER (LOTS 210-349)
Françoise de Pfyffer, the charismatic and glamorous decorator and designer, has had a prestigious career spanning three decades, first as a contemporary art dealer and then as a decorator. Based in Geneva but working throughout Europe and the Americas; her characteristic modern style and knowledge of contemporary art gained her much acclaim among her sophisticated international clientele. Paralelle, the gallery she opened in 1975, represented various talented artists including Hockney, Bacon and César. A great friend and supporter of hers was the acclaimed decorator Nicky Haslam. Another great ally in this initial period was Heinz Berggruen (d. 2007), the internationally renowed art dealer and collector, whose apartment in Geneva and house in Gstaad she decorated. Berggruen introduced Françoise de Pfyffer to many artists, one of them being Diego Giacometti, whose bronze furniture she admired and collected. Several of the other contemporary artists featured in this catalogue, such as Pavlos, Rotterdam and Uecker, she had met or known for many years. She made many acquisitions at Galerie Bonnier, first in Lausanne and the Geneva, which was managed by her great friend and contemporary Jan Rumquist. In all Françoise de Pfyffer's projects, art played an important role, providing structure and meaning to the decorative mis-en-scene.
Situated on the etage noble of a 'Haussmanien' building of grand proportions, the beautiful apartment featured in this catalogue was decorated by Françoise de Pfyffer in the late 1990s. She selected most of the pictures and decorative arts which she brilliantly mixed with various inherited treasures. For this juxtaposition of old and new works of art, Françoise de Pfyffer created a tranquil décor mainly with muted off-white colours. In the drawing room and en suite dining-room, a painted striped pattern was applied to the walls, subtly matching the silk taffeta curtains and cotton chair covers. Contemporary works by Riopelle, Klein, Arman and Wesselman hung alongside Old Master pictures, 17th and 18th Century furniture, early books and objets d'art. The result is a beautiful and spacious series of rooms, a sophisticated backdrop for an interesting collection of contemporary art and inherited items, a warm family home where friends were welcomed and generously entertained. One of her most accomplished interiors, it truly demonstrates the decorating 'genius' of Françoise de Pfyffer.
A PAIR OF ITALIAN 'MECCA' (GILT-VARNISHED SILVERED) ALTAR-STICKS
18TH CENTURY, ADAPTED AS TABLE LAMPS
Details
A PAIR OF ITALIAN 'MECCA' (GILT-VARNISHED SILVERED) ALTAR-STICKS
18TH CENTURY, ADAPTED AS TABLE LAMPS
Each with scalloped tin drip-pan on a vase-turned shaft and a triangular base, drilled for electricity
21 in. (53 cm.) high excluding fitting (2)
18TH CENTURY, ADAPTED AS TABLE LAMPS
Each with scalloped tin drip-pan on a vase-turned shaft and a triangular base, drilled for electricity
21 in. (53 cm.) high excluding fitting (2)
Brought to you by
Arne Everwijn
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