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Design insider Jim Walrod’s personal collection goes up for auction

Wright’s “Furniture Pimp” auction celebrates the collection of interior designer and curator Jim Walrod

By Lauren Ro
A cabinet with cloud-like frame behind it, rendered in bright colors.
Gaetano Pesce’s “Nobody’s Perfect” cabinet, estimated between $15,000 and $20,000.
Images courtesy of Wright

The late Jim Walrod, interior designer, curator, and fixture of downtown New York, was dubbed the “Furniture Pimp” by the Beastie Boys’ Mike D for his radical eye, appreciation for, and deep knowledge of contemporary design. David Bowie, an avid collector of Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis school, was a client of Walrod’s, after all.

Now, an upcoming auction aptly titled “Furniture Pimp” celebrates the personal collection of the legendary purveyor. Put on by Wright, the 250-lot auction comprises art, design, and other objets from modern icons to people from his inner circle.

Highlights include works by painter Peter Halley, graffiti artist Barry McGee, and fashion designer Stephen Sprouse; lamps, small goods, and a totem by Sottsass; lamp and table by Michele de Lucchi; a cabinet by architect Gaetano Pesce; and Nicola L.’s La Femme Commode chest.

Selections from the auction will be on view in New York and Chicago starting April 25. The auction itself will be held in Chicago on May 3 and online. Want to get in on the collecting game? Start by browsing the lots here.

Nicola L.’s “La Femme Commode” chest, estimated between $7,000 and $9,000.
Tête Cultivée by Nicola L., estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
Lapo Binazzi’s MGM table lamp, estimated between $7,000 and $9,000.
Gino Sarfatti’s table lamp, model 548, estimated between $700 and $900.
Ettore Sottsass’s Totem, estimated between $700 and $900.
Ettore Sottsass’s Gli Specchi di Dioniso 5 mirror, estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
Gae Aulenti’s Rimorchiatore table lamp, estimated between $1,500 and $2,000.
Dorothee Maurer-Becker’s Wall-All, estimated between $700 and $900.
Gaetano Pesce’s Triple Play nesting tables, set of three, estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
Centopiedi daybed by Antonio Locatelli and Pietro Salmoraghi, estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
Shelving system by Joelle Ferlande and François Monnet, estimated between $5,000 and $7,000.
Desk, Alessandro Mendini, attribution, estimated between $5,000 and $7,000.