Sworders' flagship DESIGN auctions are held quarterly and feature distinct sections that span a wide range of movements from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. From Art Nouveau to Post-Modernism, Arts & Crafts to studio ceramics, and Art Deco to mid-century Scandinavian and American furniture - there is something to appeal to every collector.
As one of the earliest advocates of standalone Design auctions, Sworders has established its Design department as a market leader. With estimates ranging from £100 to £100,000, these sales are a key fixture in the UK auction calendar, renowned for placing significant objects in both established and emerging collections around the world.
Past sale highlights include a piano designed by Charles Robert Ashbee for the Guild of Handicrafts which sold for £16,000; a Lucie Rie footed bowl for £25,000; a Pierre Jeanneret committee table for £28,000, an Eric Ravilious 'egg cup' for £2,200, a set of Marcel Breuer nesting tables for £9,500, and Barbara Hepworth's 'Two Rotating Forms II' selling for £250,000.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news from the department by signing up for alerts here and by following the department on Instagram @swordersdesign
Launching this November... Sworders is delighted to present Tastemakers: Modern and Contemporary Art & Design, an exciting new auction celebrating the artists, designers, makers, collectors and patrons who have shaped visual culture across the 20th and 21st centuries.
For further information on specific Design collecting areas, please follow the links below.
Want to know how much your items of Design may be worth? Fill out our easy to use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
An exciting selection of Peter Collingwood’s work is showcased in our upcoming Design sale, to be held on 14 July.
26 June 2026
We are pleased to offer a bronze ‘Tete de Femme’ floor lamp, after Alberto Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank, in our upcoming July Design sale.
23 June 2026
Japanese ceramics are highly appreciated for balanced coexistence of tradition and innovation; while older techniques are respected and preserved, new forms and ways of working with ceramics keep emerging. Today, Japan can boast with more than 100 pottery centres, each maintaining their own techniques, tradition and utilization of local materials.
17 June 2026
