Bauhaus electric kettle to star at Sotheby’s

An electric kettle is among the most intriguing lots in Sotheby’s upcoming Bauhaus sale.

Founded in Germany in 1919 by visionary architect Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus was the most influential art and design school of its era.

The unique kettle was designed by Marianne Brandt, one of the school’s most celebrated metalworkers.  

Marian Brandt kettle

Brandt's tea kettle is made from a modified Omega kettle 

It’s constructed from an Omega kettle, which Brandt altered to her own tastes. The handle has been replaced, as has the handle at the top – while the spout has been carefully buffed.

The auction house comments: “Thoroughly fit for purpose both functionally and now aesthetically, Marianne retained this kettle for her personal use.”

The lot is expected to make £60,000-80,000 in the sale at Sotheby’s London on October 6.

There’s a vast range of pieces available from the school’s many disciplines, including a famous chess set by Josef Hartwig and Joost Schmidt that’s valued at up to £40,000 ($53,841).

Bauhaus chess

These chess pieces indicate their own movements

Hartwig was head of the Bauhaus’ sculpture and wood carving workshop during the early 1920s, when this was made.

The abstract pieces are designed to reflect their movements. As Hartwig put it: "singly or combined, their shape specifies their movement; the volume, their worth".

The lot comes to auction in its original box, along with a chess board by a different designer.

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