"I’d be divorced before I bought my second Rothko"
Reflections, aspirations, and insights - we delve into the inner thoughts of Head of 20th Century Design John Black...
Reflections, aspirations, and insights - we delve into the inner thoughts of Head of 20th Century Design John Black...
John Black | Head of 20th Century Design
Your favourite object and why?
My iPhone – it keeps me up to date with emails it gets me to my appointments, takes better photos than any other camera. It’s dependable and I can turn it off when I want!
If money was no object what would you collect?
I’d be divorced before I bought my second Rothko.
What was your most surprising find of 2020?
Every week brings surprises, everyday new challenges – I’m surprised and absorbed by everything!
What are your go-to resources for research?
I can only thank many collections worldwide who have digitised theirs – the VAM in particular, helps me on many occasions finding a design or an object.
What's been 2020's strangest request?
Hannah, my wife, asking me to stop bringing things home that I had to buy from one of our auctions… strange isn’t it?
johnblack@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Recent News
Crafted Melodies | Ashbee's Broadwood Musical Masterpiece
We are pleased to present a recently rediscovered version of one of the best-known Guild of Handicraft designs, which features in our 16 January Design sale next year.
11 December 2023
John Cobb | Furniture Fit For a King
A fine commode, believed to be by John Cobb (1715-1778), arguably one of England's greatest furniture makers, comes up for sale in 'Dick Turpin | The Legend Lives On' to be held on 25 January.
7 December 2023
Tales in Thread | The Hildegard Heygate Textiles Collection
Sworders are pleased to present a selection of antique and vintage textiles in our December Fine Interiors sale, including items from the collection of the late Hildegard Heygate.
4 December 2023