Nathalie Farman-Farma Selects

London-based textile designer Nathalie Farman-Farma draws endless inspiration from her travels and experience of different cultures, blending Eastern and Western influences into the patterns she produces for her own line, Décors Barbares. These fabrics, inspired by Russian, Central Asian and Eastern-inspired prints have been used throughout our catalogue, to highlight and accentuate the colours and motifs of the artworks, proving that works of such distinguished heritage can be incorporated seamlessly into a modern decorative setting.

Not limited to collecting the Central Asian tribal robes and fabrics that provided the initial inspiration for her own line of textiles, Farman-Farma’s London home and studio are treasure troves of knick-knacks, 19^th-century furniture, Caucasian rugs, icons, antique frames and more, all dressed with her own Décors Barbares fabrics, creating wonderfully cosy spaces that manage to be simultaneously familiar and exotic. The lots she has selected below perfectly encapsulate her unique style and tastes.

Lot 33

A brass-clad wooden box, c.1900, Russia, possibly designed by Vladimir Chambers for Talashkino

Estimate: £2,000-3,000

Pictured against ‘Folklore’ fabric in Red, featuring The Firebird motif seen in the object.

Lot 35

A chip-carved wooden wall-hanging cabinet, c.1900, Russia, after a design by Yelena Dimitrievna Polenova (1850-1898)

Estimate: £1,500-2,500

Lot 36

A carved wooden table in the Russian folk taste, c.1900, possibly Talashkino, Russian

Estimate: £200-300

Pictured against ‘Koubla’ fabric.

Lot 43

A large icon of The Renovation of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, 18^th century, Russia

Estimate: £10,000-15,000

Chosen for size and the architectural aspect.

Lot 96

An icon of the Mother of God of Joy to all who Grieve, 18^th century, Russia

Estimate: £1,000-1,500

Chosen for the subject matter. 

The first in a series of auctions of residual stock from the Piccadilly Arcade gallery consists of 107 lots of Russian icons, works of art, antiquities, and Soviet propaganda, spanning from the 14^th-20^th centuries, including pieces from the personal collection of Chris Martin-Zakheim, owner of Iconastas.

The auction will be held live at the Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms from 2pm on Wednesday 1 December.

For more information, please contact russianart@sworder.co.uk

Registration for bidding closes at 2pm on Monday 29 November