Blackwell Auctions has obtained several important pieces by San Francisco designer John Dickinson (American, 1920-1982), which will be offered in the December event.
Included are five of Dickinson’s signature rope stools (three white and two painted), an Etruscan side table and an X-leg side table. Each piece embodies the unique creativity and artistry that made Dickinson an icon of 20th century American design.
As well, two fiberglass molds, purported to have been used to form the Etruscan and X-leg tables, have also been brought in. (We’re still researching these molds — if we deem the provenance to be unsatisfactory, we will not offer them.)
The furniture all originated from the artist himself, who gifted them to a personal friend. They were consigned by the friend’s surviving partner.
John Dickinson is celebrated for his ability to merge functionality with unexpected, sculptural elements, elevating furniture design into an art form. His distinctive pieces are highly prized for their timeless appeal and whimsical nature. With bold shapes and crafted from unconventional materials, the products of Dickinson’s unique imagination continue to fascinate collectors and designers more than four decades after his passing.