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Designers Curate the Gentleman's Auction

Interior designers Phillip Thomas, Prudence Bailey, Christina Roughan have helped curate a portion of the May 25 – June 3 Gentleman’s Auction. Read on to see what they picked.

Phillip Thomas’ Picks

Five Pottery Planters and Flowerpots (Lot 1038)

There is something so beautiful about even the simplest of pottery. The shapes and the colors of the glazes are always so captivating to me. I could see these pieces arranged on a table with beautiful specimen plants of equal interest. View lot details.

Faux Bois Concrete and Glass Terrarium (Lot 1036)

I love a terrarium, and this faux bois example is no exception. A wonderful place to display plants in a chic way, it could also serve as a place to display a special collection in your home. View lot details.

Ten Brass and Boxwood Folding Rulers (Lot 1018)

I love collecting things! From the most elevated artwork to the most utilitarian of objects, a great deal of care and attention was paid to the design—clear in this collection of vintage measuring tools. View lot details.

Steuben Sterling Silver, 18kt Gold, and Glass “Thistle Rock” Sculpture (Lot 1008)

This glass and gilt-metal piece fascinates me. I love the contrast between the solid and the transparent. The way the light refracts through the base is captivating. View lot details.

Steuben Sterling Silver, 18kt Gold, and Glass “Snail” Sculpture (Lot 1005)

I love the way thick pieces of glass can capture light and reflect it in different ways. As light moves through a space, so too you feel that the snail has moved. I could see this on my desk. It is not only a functional piece but a piece to distract and daydream with. View lot details.

Small Leather Book-form Liquor Box (Lot 1029)

This incognito Small Leather Book-form Liquor Box reminds me of something sneaky that would have been used during prohibition! It is very Gatsby! I can see this conversation piece in a masculine office or a library. View lot details.

Three Wallpaper Printing Blocks (Lot 1105)

I love the idea of ‘functional’ pieces on display in a space. These Wall Paper Printing Blocks are so beautiful, they could easily pass as art! View lot details.

Prudence Bailey’s Picks

Edwardian Silver-plate-bound Oak Box (Lot 1039)

These boxes are always great to layer on top of books or next to a stack of books in a vignette. This box is so pretty it could be on a shelf on its own as well! I’m sure there are great stories to tell about the people who owned them. View lot details.

Silver-plate Equestrian Jockey Condiment Set (Lot 1081)

This set would be so cute to have in the center of a breakfast table along with a gorgeous vessel with flowers. My mom always had interesting salt & pepper shakers on a woven charger with something from Mother Nature and I definitely am influenced by that! View lot details.

Set of Twelve Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Berry Spoons (Lot 1077)

These sterling silver spoons would be fun to place in a small modern cup, ends up, placed near your coffee station. The strawberries are just so fun and no one will have to search for a spoon to stir their coffee! View lot details.

Four Pieces of Designer Glass (Lot 1073)

I love this gorgeous set with the pop of color! The crème de la crème. I would style them on a tray on top of a sideboard in a dining room. View lot details.

Set of Twelve Steuben Crystal Old Fashioned Glasses (Lot 1066)

Imagine these Stueben glasses in a china cabinet in your kitchen! They are meant to be seen and used! The light reflects them beautifully. View lot details.

Two Francois Carre Sunburst Chairs and Cafe Table (Lot 1063)

You will find these year-round on my wrap-around porch where I could sit and enjoy a cocktail or coffee while people watching! The bistro table transports me to vacations and travels abroad. View lot details.

Steuben Sterling Silver, 18kt Gold, and Glass “Mushroom and Butterfly” Sculpture (Lot 1002)

This paperweight speaks to me! You would find it on a bookshelf or styled on a console or chest. View lot details.

Christina Roughan’s Picks

Set of Twelve Gorham Sterling Silver Goblets (Lot 1069)

These shapely Gorham silver goblets are perfect for any occasion. They can reinvent themselves as wine goblets, vases for flowers, or even dessert cups. View lot details.

Alexandra Llewellyn Backgammon Set (Lot 1056)

Alexandra Lewellyn is a UK artist known for her exquisite backgammon designs. This set is exceptional—perfect in a library, game room, home office, or family room—just about anywhere. A gift made with love. View lot details.

Light Green Glass Flowerpot and Plate (Lot 1050)

Love the shape and color of this 19th century glass flowerpot.  Filled to the brim with white freesia would create a stunning contrast against the green. View lot details.

Blown Glass Fishbowl on Stand (Lot 1051)

Wow, how gorgeous is the shape of this blown glass fishbowl. Imagine having this as a centerpiece on a dining table. This can also be used as a hurricane candleholder for a side or coffee table. Very different, sophisticated, and unique. View lot details.

Dresser Box with a Carved Pheasant (Lot 1049)

This wood box with hand-carved painted pheasant is perfect for decorative desk storage, pens, or pencils, while being elegant and extremely sophisticated. Love, love how simple and inviting this design is. View lot details.

Pair of Pedro Freidberg-style Hand Barstools (Lot 1065)

These were chosen for the Wow factor. What a fun conversation could be had in a space with these wooden stools. View lot details.

Two Mercury Glass Compotes (Lot 1044)

These mercury glass compotes are fabulous—for a table setting or just decoration. Add fruit, pears, grapes, or artichokes for a beautiful display that’s reminiscent of a Dutch painting. View lot details.


About the Designers


Phillip Thomas

Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of establishing his eponymous design firm in May 2011, Phillip Thomas has collaborated with artisans and clients to create elegant, timeless, and always highly personal interiors both in the United States and internationally. He has been featured in publications including ADElle DecorHouse BeautifulInterior DesignLuxeMansion GlobalThe New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, among others. His work has graced the covers of Flower and NYC&G magazines. He has appeared on NBC’s Open House TV and in interior design books such as New York School of Interior Design: HomeLiving in Style: Best Interior Design on the Planet, and New York Splendor: The City’s Most Memorable Rooms. In 2016, Thomas made his debut at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House designing a sophisticated, playful room dubbed the “Lady Lair” that received praise from his peers and the media alike. 

Prudence Bailey

In 2015, Prudence Bailey launched Prudence Home + Design (PHD) in Darien, Connecticut, as a full-service interior design firm offering a vast range of services from total room makeovers to full-scale renovations, providing clean and fresh interiors that blend modern and traditional styles. Prudence has decorated numerous significant city, coastal, and country homes and estates, as well as retail businesses on both the East and West Coasts. Prudence is a winner of Serendipity 2020 Home Design Awards and her work was recently featured on the cover of HGTVMagazine.

Christina Roughan

For more than two decades, Christina Roughan has run her eponymous interior design firm in NYC, and now in Fairfield County, Connecticut. She and her team create bespoke interiors for discerning clients and families—taking their passions and art collections and curating them into livable environments. They offer a full range of services, from interior design to ground-up renovations, turn key installations, and art advisory.

The items featured are being sold to benefit Wilton Historical Society’s education programs.

BROWSE THE AUCTION

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