Tag: space age

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Eero Saarinen-designed Knoll Tulip dining table and four chairs

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Arkana

Big thanks to Matthew for spotting a real gem on eBay – this Eero Saarinen-designed Knoll Tulip dining table and four chairs.

Designed as 'as an exercise in clarifying form', the design of the Tulip table and chairs is still ahead of its time, over 50 years since its debut. This is an authentic reissue, with this particular set issued by Knoll to Cube (Manchester's architecture and design gallery) to commemorate its opening in 1998. The item was later acquired by Graeme Russell, its founding director, who is selling it now.

According to the seller, the table (diameter 920mm) is in good condition with a few scratches, while two of the four chairs are in need of some repair, but are perfectly functional. So not perfect, but at the current auction price of £500 for the set, well worth a bid.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s Pierre Paulin Mushroom Chair

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Mushroom

Apologies for the picture quality above, but that's actually part of the story with this Pierre Paulin Mushroom Chair.

Artifort reissued this 1960 classic a few years back, but even with the reissue, you'll be looking at well in excess of £1,500 for a licensed version. The one above is such a chair, bought three years ago in a 'dark pink wool tonus bute fabric' for £1,800 and in 'immaculate condition'.

So why no bids with two days to go? We suspect because the images are so poor on the listing. £99 is the starting price, although there's a reserve, so we've no idea if you'll bag a real bargain or not. You can always try.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Homeware

1960s Arnolfo Di Cambio Smoke glassware by Joe Colombo

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Colombo

We're big fans of the work of Joe Colombo, but here's something a little less obvious, although every bit as eye-catching as his mopper obvious work – the Arnolfo Di Cambio Smoke glassware.

It was described as 'the interpretation of cultivated society's new shape', as seen by Joe Colombo back in 1964. Made from blown crystal, the glasses feature a particular shape that allows them to be held in one hand along with a cigarette – ergonomically designed to be gripped from the base with a single thumb, keeping the other fingers free.

In these days of smoking being less socially acceptable, Smoke is still a great example of 60s space age design, from a man forever associated with it. Not cheap, as you might have guessed, £109 for two glasses.

Find out more at the YOOX website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Welltron Model 2002 space age ball radio

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Welltron

Yesterday, I was discussing with regular RTG correspondent Andrew the difficulty these days of finding good space age design at a decent (aka cheap) price. A point summed up well by this Welltron Model 2002 space age ball radio.

It's a stunning piece of space age design, playing AM/FM radio in stereo sound from that ball-shaped unit, throwing in some eye-catching sliders and chrome-clad controls. it even has the original magnetic stand included.

Condition is described as 'unrestored' and 'very good above', with only marginal wear from age and of course, it works. It's the kind of thing that would have turned up in junk shops some years back and would have cost a few quid even then. But certainly nothing like the £399 being asked here. Although you can make an offer. See the listing for lots more photos.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Artemide Pileino space age table lamps by Gae Aulenti

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Gae

Great spot by Andrew (many thanks) on eBay, not least because a pair recently sold for over £1,000 on eBay. I'm talking about these Artemide Pileino table lamps by Gae Aulenti.

The difference? Well, the oriignal pair, which sold for £1,105, was boxed and as 'new', rare for an item long out of circulation. But even allowing for that, this used pair is still a potential bargain. Designed by Gae Aulenti in 1972, the lamp is a space age classic, probably best known for its appearance in the Space 1999 series and still screaming the era. Not, as you might expect, plastic either – that adjustable casing is actually lacquered metal.

Sadly that casing isn't in perfect condition here. While both work, there is obvious wear to the lamps, which is well photographed on the site. So not perfect, but for such rare designs, still worth considering if the price is right – especially for two of them. Right now they're at £5.11.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s space age alarm clock lamp

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Spacelamp

Not sure of the make, the designer (if there is one) or the specific year, so let's just refer to this as 1970s space age alarm clock lamp.

The lampshade is apparently made of brushed aluminium with perforations on the top for ventilation, while the stem and base are made of chocolate brown plastic. That's not forgetting the digital alarm clock at the front of the base with a black face and a rectangular protective perspex screen, along with 'light up' green numbers.

It's described as being in 'very good condition' and in 'full working order', with a few age related marks – see the site if you want to know more about that. Right now, it's at just £1.20.

Find out more at the eBay website