Lobster Telephone (white aphrodisiac)

Christie’s will present selected works of art from The Edward James Foundation including iconic pieces that trace the development of Surrealism and reflect the tastes of the visionary patron of art and collector, Edward James. These will be offered alongside a cross-category selection of objects from West Dean House, collected by generations of successive owners. The sale will comprise 187 lots and the proceeds will be used to support the Foundation’s long-term plan to enhance Edward James’ educational legacy including a permanent exhibition space and a transformation of how the Foundation’s archives are managed and used. Highlights of the auction include a sofa in the form of Mae West’s lips (1938, estimate: £250,000-400,000), a pair of Champagne standard lamps (1938, estimate: £100,000-150,000) and Lobster Telephone (white aphrodisiac) (1938, estimate: £150,000-250,000), all of which were designed by Salvador Dalí (1904-89) and Edward James (1907-84) together and were made by Green & Abbott. Amongst the acquisitions of William James, Edward’s father, to be offered for sale are a pair of Louis XVI ormolu-mounted blue-ground porcelain 'lacrimal' vases, reputedly from Versailles (circa 1782, estimate: £80,000-120,000) and a Russian patinated-bronze and green porphyry tazza (circa 1800, estimate: £50,000-80,000).