The most expensive chair in the world

The most expensive armchair in the world cannot be called furniture in the generally accepted sense. It is a magnificent author’s art object on the theme of Madame Recamier’s couch from the famous portrait of the 18th century French artist J.L. David. It was invented by Australian designer Mark Newson back in 1986 at the beginning of his career.

Being the most influential industrial designer in the world, the famous author of futuristic scenery for films about Austin Powers, Newson is associated with this unusual design work. The chair was named Lockheed Lounge and became the hallmark of the Australian master.

What is the feature of the most expensive chair

The aluminum deck chair was named after Lockheed, an American aerospace company. It is recognized as the highest quality craftwork.

An unusual piece of furniture was made of small sheets of aluminum, covering the base of fiberglass on three pillars. It has a smooth streamlined shape without a single seam. The couch is not suitable for the fulfillment of its functional purpose.

The cost of the most expensive chair

The deck chair and its author became world famous after the release of Madonna’s video "Rain" in the early 90s, where it was used as a decoration. The work was first put on display in one of the galleries of Sydney. According to expert estimates, its cost is 1.2 - 2.4 million dollars. Today it is the most expensive chair in the world.

Reference! The public, who was indignant at the price, assured Mark Newson that his creation was "a million dollar comfort."

In 2013, a couple in whose private collection housed the designer chair sold it at the Christies London auction for almost 750 thousand British pounds or 1,400 thousand US dollars. In 2015, at the Phillips de Pury auction, it was already sold for 2,435,000 pounds, breaking all world records for the cost of contemporary design works.

Who is the owner of a luxurious armchair

After an exhibition at Sydney's most influential gallery in 1986, the first seat was bought by European private collectors. A few years later, Newson improved the design to a world-famous chaise lounge on three pillars.

Since 1986, the couch has been propagated in a limited series. Today, around the world there are 15 copies of the Lockheed Lounge - 10 copies, 4 copyright and 1 prototype. They are owned by design museums in England, France, America, Australia, the Netherlands, and private European and American collectors.

The Australian designer believes that in every chair there is a particle of his DNA and something else timeless. About 25% of the modern art design market is Newson's work.