Mid-Century & Modern Design

 

Our Mid-Century and Modern Design offering falls under the Design department's care as an area of keen interest. This aspect of our department encompasses the various modern styles of the post-war period, with a renewed interest in British design from exhibitions such as the Festival of Britain, with the likes of John & Sylvia Reid and Ernest Race, through to the contemporary designs of John Makepeace and Mark Brazier-Jones.

Further to this, mid-century Scandinavian and American design continues to dominate the market and Sworders have become leaders in the sale of furniture, applied arts, glassware and jewellery from this category. Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, Alvar Aalto, Charles & Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and Harry Bertoia are but some of the regular designers who feature in our dedicated Design auctions.

European glass remains extremely popular with designers spanning the continent from France, Italy, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. Our auctions regularly include works designed by René Lalique, Geoffrey Baxter, Alessandro Pianon and manufacturers such as Murano and Orrefors.

Be sure not to miss out on the launch of a new catalogue by signing up for alerts here and follow the department on Instagram @swordersdesign

 

Results & Highlights

Our specialists

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. 

John Black

John Black ASFAV
Director

T: 01279 817778
E: johnblack@sworder.co.uk

 

Matthew Yeats

Matthew Yeats
Design | Head of Department

T: 01279 817778
E: matthewyeats@sworder.co.uk

 

Alex Froggatt

Alex Froggatt
Senior Valuer | Glass & Decorative Arts

T: 01279 817778
E: alexfroggatt@sworder.co.uk

 

Request a Valuation 

Want to know how much your Mid-Century & Modern 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.

Get a Valuation

 


 

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News & Articles

A Private Collection | C H Brannam Pottery

We are excited to present an impressive private collection of ceramics, with highlights by C H Brannam Pottery. The private collection will open the autumn edition of our Design auction, taking place on 21 October.

2 October 2025

George Nakashima’s Harmonies in Wood

We are delighted to be offering a George Nakashima Slab I coffee table in our upcoming Design auction, which takes place on 21 October.

18 September 2025

Stuart Devlin | A Romance in Silver and Gold

We are delighted to announce a substantial collection of hand-crafted items by the esteemed silver and goldsmith Stuart Devlin, debuting at our October Design auction. Characterised by Devlin's use of filigree work, unusual textures and the mixing of silver and silver-gilt to create two tone items, each piece displays minimalistic elegance.

20 August 2025