Francis Bacon-designed rug expected to reach $221,000

Christie's is selling a modernist rug designed by Francis Bacon in the early 1930s.

The piece, valued at £120,000-180,000 ($147,400-221,101), is set to be one of the highlights of a October 26 design auction in London.

Francis Bacon rug
Francis Bacon worked as an interior designer in the early 1930s

Bacon (1909-1992) began working as an interior designer in London in 1929, creating pieces based on the modernist furniture and textiles he'd encountered in Paris and Berlin during his brief spell living there.

It was during this time that he began to build up a network of collectors, who would be among the first to buy his paintings.

While the exact number of rugs he produced is unknown, the present lot is one of around eight survivors.

Bacon clearly liked this design, as it comes from his own apartment. It's a very large piece, measuring well over 13 inches long and 8 inches across, and features unique colour variations.

A PH grand piano by Danish designer Poul Henningsen is expected to make £60,000-80,000 ($73,700-98,267).

The piece also dates to the early 1930s and is a rare foray away from Henningsen's usual focus on lighting.

Fewer than 100 were produced, many of which are now in permanent collections.

Another example sold for £98,500 ($120,991) in a Nordic design auction at Phillips in 2014.            

Click here to take a look at all our antiques for sale.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about antique auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock