Terence Conran’s Private Library Comes to Auction

Sir Terence Conran (1931-2020) had a huge impact on the design of the modern British home via his Habitat stores and The Conran Shop. Parts of his various collections are coming up at Bonhams for its sale of the contents of his home and former boys’ school, Barton Court in Berkshire, on December 14.

The 392 auction lots underline how Conran worked in a multi-disciplinary way in a variety of fields as well as design, including gastronomy, branding and books. The spacious rooms at Barton Court were not only filled with objects but also simple ply shelves which made up his personal library. The extent of his interests is reflected in the groupings of lots up for sale which include:

* Design, interiors, and architecture
* Books written by or related to Conran
* Art
* Biography, history, and memoir
* Japan and China
* Gardening
* Cooking and restaurants
* Coffee table books
* Fashion and textiles
* Travel
* Cars, boats, and motorcycles
* Wine and cigars

Other highlights of the sale include a collection of nine lithographs by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, each variously signed, dated and inscribed to Conran, and Conran’s large, rectangular walnut desk with a frieze drawer, extending flanks, and a sliding under tier.

"Sir Terence Conran was a titan of modern design, and his influence can be seen in homes across Britain and far beyond,” said Harvey Cammell, Bonhams Global Director, Valuations & Private Collections. “It is a rare privilege to be auctioning his personal collection. The eclectic mix of items reveals Sir Terence's phenomenal eye for design and gives a unique insight into the inspiration behind some of his own creations."