Continuing their busy spring season, Strauss & Co. are hosting one live and two online sales exploring the evolution of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, from the dynamism of Art Nouveau to the eclectic and colourful Postmodernist movement and everything in between.
With around 160 items auctioned across three sessions, Mid-Century Modern spans furniture, jewellery, silver, ceramics, and glass in a historic sale. Here’s everything design enthusiasts and collectors need to know.
Learn more about Mid-Century Modern
An important era in the development of design, Mid-Century Modern attempts to capture how architecture, fashion, and society incorporated both modern technology and a sense of playfulness into homes throughout the 20th century to today.
The sale begins its journey with art nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha’s Hand-painted Folding Screen and its flowing, stylised depiction of the female form, estimated to be valued between R80 000 and R100 000. Encompassing the trends of bold geometry and exuberance of the time is the Art Deco walnut sideboard, valued around R10,000 to R12,000. The world-famous modernist Barcelona Chair, designed to mix comfort with clarity by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe & Lilly Reich in 1929, is also available, expected to go for between R5000 and R20,000 a pair.
Over time, as history moved past two world wars and The Great Depression, Mid-Century Modernism embraced more organic and less formal design, with favourites like the Eames Lounge Chair, Panton Chair and Tulip Chair leading the charge. Across Europe, Scandinavian modernism took its own turns, with Teak Folding Table (R45k – R50k) by Kai Kristiansen and a set of six Model 203 Dining Chairs by Arne Vodder (R50k – R60k) showing this region’s unique interpretation of international trends.
By the start of the 1970s, Postmodernism had all but thrown away traditional conventions in favour of bold, ironic, and quirky aesthetics that rejected classic sensibilities. Studio 65’s fearless and striking red-lipped Bocca Sofa (R40k – R60k) epitomises the Pop Art movement of the era, as does Arne Jacobsen’s high-backed Dixi swivel chairs (R6k – R8k per pair).
The sale also highlights the distinctive stylings of South African design language, with works from Frystark, Haldane Martin, John Tabraham, Duros, Esias Bosch and more. Where Frystark’s Status Dining Suite (R20k – R24k) became a Danish-inspired staple that defined South African homes in the 1960s, Hutch Custom’s Imara Ash Coffee Table (R35k – R45k) is the new kid on the block after being named a winner at the Decorex 2026 AIDA Awards.
The Evening Sale by Strauss & Co.
These important design pieces are presented in conjunction with Strauss & Co.’s flagship fine art auction, The Evening Sale, which is headlined by works from some of South Africa’s leading women artists, including Maggie Laubser, Penny Siopis, and Irma Stern. Other highlights include pieces from J.H. Pierneef, George Pemba, Gerard Sekoto, Lucas Sithole, and William Kentridge.
The programme includes a timed online auction, known as the Day Sale, from 19 August until the live, virtual auction on the evening of 15 September 2026. A preview exhibition of highlights from the sale is currently on show at Strauss & Co.’s gallery in Woodstock.
Add to the collection with sought-after modernist art pieces with the Evening Sale
Get involved today
To give potential buyers and bidders a more in-depth look at these coveted furnishings, Strauss & Co gallery’s September exhibition includes furniture and design objects from the Mid-Century Modern auction, curated by Marc-Anthony Hewson of LIM.
From the foundational aspects of modern design to the influence of Postmodern & Pop Art aesthetics in today’s interior design trends, this selection of auction items highlights the strength of modern design and its staying power in homes in South Africa and across the world.
Currently, there are two timed online auctions, encompassing Glass, Ceramics, Silver, Steel & Jewellery and Furniture & Interiors, with a Live Virtual Auction taking place on 16 September. Interested parties can learn more about the various Mid-Century Modern sales on the website.
When: Wednesday, 16 September 2026, from 7pm (Live Virtual Auction) | 18 August – 16 September 2026 (Timed Online Auctions)
Where: Strauss & Co, 2nd Floor Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock
Website: straussart.co.za
Tel: 021 683 6560
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @Strauss & Co
Instagram: @strauss_and_co
Find new ways to redefine and redecorate the bedroom in Cape Town
