In the immortal words of Grace Jones, “It’s history repeating.”
It’s not all glass and steel, orange and grey in the style sheets these days. Instead, vivid jewel tones and rich texture are moving to the fore. As styles shift and each new generation rediscovers the classics, Louis Comfort Tiffany, the American polymath, is back in the public eye. As Architectural Digest put it, the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, “the poster child of Art Nouveau,” is finding a new audience of appreciators.
At the Christie’s auction for Tiffany Masterworks from the Garden Museum in June, 44 lots were auctioned in a sale that realized over $6,600,000. A highlight of the sale was An Important and Rare ‘Hanging Head Dragonfly’ Chandelier. It surpassed its high estimate to sell for $1,008,000. Since December 2020, Christie’s has held sales dedicated to Christie’s every six months, with new collectors emerging at each auction.
Three of the lots included in the sale. From left: Hanging Head Dragonfly Chandelier, Yellow Rose Floor Lamp, and Dragonfly and Waterflowers Table Lamp
Why the sudden resurgence of Tiffany Studios’ work? Architectural Digest points to the growing trend toward decorative interiors while HBO premiered the new series The Gilded Age, and the theme for the Met Gala was “Gilded Glamour.”
Tiffany’s genius extended far beyond stained glass. He created complete visions that integrated interior and exterior design. The Tiffany Ayer Mansion is one of the rarest examples of his work; this Back Bay home is the only remaining residence completely designed by Tiffany. The listing, from Greta Gustafson and Ruth Kennedy Sudduth, has garnered attention from luxury publications worldwide, from the Robb Report to the Wall Street Journal to Tatler. In just the last two weeks, it’s been featured by Mansion Global and the UK’s Country & Town House.
For collectors and admirers, this is a unique opportunity to “collaborate” with Tiffany to reimagine the mansion for modern-day living. The property owners have assembled a compelling team of designers and luxury builders who stand by to meet the vision of a new owner. A superb vision is being provided in the form of 3D renderings by Neoscape based on interior design and architecture by award-winning Hacin + Associates. To execute, tap into the deep knowledge of SEA-DAR Construction, whose imprint in giving new life and vision to important properties throughout the Northeast is peerless. Quite an opportunity for a next-gen disruptor!
Louis Comfort Tiffany was an innovator – his designs were revolutionary yet still timeless. Over a century later, the Tiffany name is iconic, the work coveted, and the designs resonant.
Keep an eye out for more about the Tiffany Ayer Mansion and view the home here.
