"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
Highlights from an East Anglian Private Collection | Four Curious Treasures
Discover four curiosities from an East Anglian Private Collection in our Open House timed auction, taking place 4–10 November.
4 November 2025
Boxy Brilliance | Two Volvos with Character and Provenance
Sworders is pleased to present two classic Volvos in our forthcoming Cars & Automobilia sale - cars that neatly showcase the marque’s practical elegance and loyal following.
31 October 2025
Imperial Provenance: Two Historic Pieces from the Romanov Legacy
In our upcoming Fine Interiors auction on 9–10 December 2025, two lots offer more than fine craftsmanship and design — they carry the weight of imperial history. One piece was acquired from Provender House, the Kent home of Princess Olga Andreevna Romanoff, and the other holds a curious clue to its past, bearing a connection to the Russian Imperial family.
23 October 2025