Strauss & Co is pleased to present Mid-Century Modern Design Auction Cape Town, with one live and two online sales from 18 August to 16 September 2026.
Beyond including some of mid-century modern’s most important designs, the sales explore the evolution of the 20th century modern aesthetic.
It begins with art nouveau at the end of the 19th century and ends with postmodernism in the 1970s.
A pivotal chapter for design emerged. Society opened the door to modern technology and mass production. It championed functional form and demanded accessibility to good design. Over time in the modernist journey, nature and comfort were embraced. And eventually the rigidity of the modern rulebook was questioned, favouring playfulness and eclecticism.
There are around 160 lots across three sessions.
Mid-Century Modern spans furniture, jewellery, silver, ceramics and glass.
The sale begins its journey with art nouveau stalwart Alphonse Mucha.
His Hand-painted Folding Screen (estimate R80 000- R100 000) bears tell-tale organic motifs and ethereal female figures.
Originating in the art deco era, the Walnut Veneer Sideboard cues geometry and stepped form.
The estimate is (estimate R10 000 – R12 000).
In black leather, the Barcelona Chair makes its appearance.
It follows Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich (estimate R5000- R20 000 for a pair).
Bauhaus silhouettes were underpinned by the meeting of craft and industrial technology, bringing clarity and purpose into home and workspace.
Responding to WW1, the Great Depression, and then WW2, design evolved to match the needs of society.
Mid-century modern designers like Charles & Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen gave us iconic chairs.
Moreover, Mid-Century Modern Design Auction Cape Town demonstrates why modern design holds its appeal.
Taking a leaf from the former Bauhaus period, mid-century modernism loosened up its strict formality and applied a softer, more organic approach. Comfort, integration with nature and plastic in all its glorious iterations combined, and the results retain their appeal to this day.
Scandinavian modernism emerged as an offshoot of mid-century modernism.
It was guided by craft-centric techniques, organic forms and warm woods.
Here, works by Percival Lafer, Finn Juhl, Kai Kristiansen and Vladimir Kagan star in the auction.
A Teak Folding Table (estimate R45 000 – R50 000) by Kristiansen will attract collectors.
A set of six Model 203 Dining Chairs by Arne Vodder (estimate R50 000 – R60 000) will attract Danish modern fans.
This Mid-Century Modern Design Auction Cape Town will appeal to Danish modern fans.
By the 1970s, postmodernism threw out the rule book. Moreover, it proclaimed that “less is a bore” and embraced the bold, ironic, and humorous. Within it, the likes of Memphis and Pop Art found their place. The Mid-Century Modern Design Auction Cape Town now features Studio 65’s red-lipped Bocca Sofa for Gufram. Connection’s set of High-backed Dixi Swivel Chairs (estimate R7000 – R9000) also embodies this audacious attitude.
Featuring Frystark, Haldane Martin, John Tabraham, Duros, Esias Bosch and others, the sale reveals its modern design language. Frystark’s Status Dining Suite (estimate R20 000 – R24 000) is a Danish-inspired mid-century classic. Additionally, Mid-Century Modern Design Auction Cape Town highlights the period’s love of handcrafted and organic forms. Hutch Custom’s Imara Ash Coffee Table (estimate R35 000 – R45 000) is cued by the period’s handcraft and organic forms.
From the foundations of modernism to its interpretation by local designers today, these works track the evolution of modern design and its staying power in our homes.
Marc-Anthony Hewson of LIM curated the Strauss & Co gallery this September featuring a selection of furniture and design objects from their trio of Mid-Century Modern Auctions. Open for view until 16 September 2026.
BROWSE THE AUCTIONS:
Mid-Century Modern Elements: Glass, Ceramics, Silver, Steel & Jewellery
Timed Online Auction, 18 August – 16 September 2026
Mid-Century Modern Styling: Furniture & Interiors
Timed Online Auction, 18 August – 16 September 2026
Mid-Century Modern Live: Furniture, Design & Jewellery
Live Virtual Auction, 16 September 2026 at 7pm
Visit www.straussart.co.za to register, bid or browse the auction.
