edward wormley

LA's Modern Auction weekend

This weekend marks another fantastic Los Angeles Modern Auction (LAMA) event and LAMA's director of Modern Design and Fine Art, Peter Loughrey, has some extra special favorites nestled within the lots. Namely, a handful of incredible Kenny Price drawings and sculptures acquired directly from Price himself and making their first entry into the auction market. (One of these beauties is below. Diminutive, yes, but huge in Price personality and vigor and humor.)

Even just five years ago, LAMA was offering significantly more mid-century modern and Danish furniture, pieces we could pick up for a wildly accessible price. They've quickly become a well-respected auction house for their discerning collection of 20th century Southern California art and have sold some of the most gorgeous piece we've ever laid our peepers on by Vija Celmins, Peter Alexander, Joe Goode, Ed Ruscha, Larry Bell, Alexander Calder, and Ed Moses, not to mention the Picassos, Warhols, and Lichtensteins.

We've pulled together a few of the showstoppers we spotted in the preview catalogue and have them listed for you here (along with their estimates)! If your weekend calendar isn't already overbrimming, head out to Van Nuys for Sunday's auction. The fun begins at high noon!


Set of six 1958 Dan Johnson dining chairs.(Lot 134, estimated. $20,000-$30,000)

Set of six 1958 Dan Johnson dining chairs.
(Lot 134, estimated. $20,000-$30,000)


Beatrice Wood, Bowl with blue and red glaze. (Lot 263, estimated $2000-$3000)

Beatrice Wood, Bowl with blue and red glaze. (Lot 263, estimated $2000-$3000)


Jean Prouve Dactylo desk. Designed c. 1950 Model no. BD 41.(Lot 16, estimated $20,000-$30,000)

Jean Prouve Dactylo desk. Designed c. 1950 Model no. BD 41.
(Lot 16, estimated $20,000-$30,000)


Harry Bertoia's 1961-65 Sonambient Sculpture (made of welded beryllium,(Lot 173, estimated $40,000-$60,000)

Harry Bertoia's 1961-65 Sonambient Sculpture (made of welded beryllium,
(Lot 173, estimated $40,000-$60,000)


Ed Ruscha's Vowel #58 (U), oil on Various Small Fires book cover.(Lot 218, estimated $20,000-$30,000)

Ed Ruscha's Vowel #58 (U), oil on Various Small Fires book cover.
(Lot 218, estimated $20,000-$30,000)


Karl Benjamin's 1961 Landscape Forms.(Lot 333, estimated $40,000-$60,000)

Karl Benjamin's 1961 Landscape Forms.
(Lot 333, estimated $40,000-$60,000)


Edward Wormley La Gondola sofa, designed 1957.(Lot 429, estimated. $4000-$6000)

Edward Wormley La Gondola sofa, designed 1957.
(Lot 429, estimated. $4000-$6000)