The hugely popular Ski Sale celebrates the golden age of travel, from the turn of the twentieth century through to the 1950s, a time when the first ski resorts competed to be recognised as the most glamorous, with some of the finest designers and artists commissioned to create stylish posters urging holiday-makers to visit. The auction will comprise of approximately 70 poster lots, with estimates ranging from £300 to £9,000.
Of particular note is an important collection of Swiss and European posters form the 1920s to the 1960s, which have been in the possession of one family for 100 years.
The collection is owned by Roland and Marie Louise Zahnd, who inherited a large part of it from Marie-Louise’s father, Louis Nicollier, a graphic designer who worked in Switzerland and Belgium during the 20s, 30s and 40s. Nicollier’s network of lithographic printers throughout Switzerland gave him access to a wide array of posters. He was thus able to build up an important collection, fresh from the lithographers and artists themselves, showcasing some of the most iconic symbols of Swiss alpine culture.
His daughter, Marie-Louise and her husband, Roland Zahnd, were able to grow and develop the collection during their careers as graphic designers at some of the major agencies in Switzerland. Their contribution includes important mid-century posters with huge graphic impact, further telling the story of Swiss graphic design and the expansion of Swiss alpine tourism.
Marie Louise and Roland have since moved to the South of France where Roland continues his artistic work, now creating sculptures and paintings that punctuate their Provencal home. The collection has been stored in their house, away from the light, since the time of acquisition, resulting the posters having exceptionally bright and fresh colours. Part of the collection (not included in the sale) was given to Malou and Roland’s children and grandchildren, keeping the legacy of their ancestor’s extraordinary careers alive.
The Ski Sale will take place alongside our opening auction of 2020, Contemporary & Post-War Art on 15 January. Viewing will take place in our London Gallery at 22 Conaught St from 19 to 23 December, before heading to Edinburgh for viewing from 12 to 15 January.
AUCTION | Contemporary & Post-War Art inc The Ski Sale | Wednesday 15 January 2020 | Edinburgh
LONDON VIEWING | Thursday 19 to Monday 23 December | Weekdays 10.30am to 5pm | Saturday 21 December 12 noon to 4pm | 22 Connaught Street, London
EDINBURGH VIEWING | Sunday 12 January, 12 noon to 4pm | Monday 13 & Tuesday 14 January, 10am to 5pm| Morning of sale from 9am | 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh