Christie's has unveiled a new auction podium. Designed by Lovefrom, led by Jony Ive, the podium will be introduced sequentially at five major auction houses around the world over the next six months. It was first unveiled at King Street in London and is subsequently scheduled to appear at 20th and 21st Century Art auctions and Luxury Weeks in Paris, New York, Hong Kong, and Geneva.
This project was a collaboration between Love From, based in San Francisco and London, and Benchmark, a furniture manufacturer in Berkshire, UK. Jony Ive explained that he was impressed by Benchmark's understanding of wood, their ethical timber sourcing, and their precision manufacturing capabilities. During the actual production process, the Love From team visited the UK workshop, while the Benchmark team visited San Francisco to continue their collaboration.
The new platform was designed to sit slightly elevated rather than overwhelming the audience. Ive described this as a politely elevated presence. It features a touch-sensitive structure where the stairs unfold quietly from the inside, and custom stainless steel components were used for the closing mechanism on the inside of the door. The finishing touches were meticulously refined to ensure a seamless and natural transition where the oak and metal meet.
The branding approach is also impressive. The Christie's logo is featured not only on the front of the podium but also on the metal plate beneath the rear door and the folding stairs. This placement is intended for the auctioneer and art transporters rather than the audience. Ive viewed the moment of opening the door and stepping onto the podium as significant, and he quietly emphasized that moment with the logo.
The materials used also hold great symbolic significance. The podium was crafted from sustainable oak that is over 200 years old. This wood is linked to the forest resources of France used in the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral. The hard, cross-sectional oak was selected with even the resonance of the hammer striking it in mind, and the same material was used for the actual gavel.
Christie's explained that this podium captures the history of auctions dating back to 1766. As time passes and traces accumulate on the railings within reach, that too becomes new history. Ive stated that what the project leaves behind is the podium itself and everything learned in the process. This work is interpreted as an example that goes beyond furniture making and spatial design to re-establish the tradition and dignity of the institution Christie's in the language of the present.
