Born-and-bred New Yorkers Philip LaVerne and his son Kelvin—trained respectively at the Art Students League and the Parsons School of Design—are internationally renowned and celebrated for a style inseparable from the city's spirit. Their work reflects a melting pot of intersecting generations and cultures, driven by New York's legendary energy.
Father and son drew inspiration from various global civilizations, transposing historical references into contemporary modernity. This cross-cultural dialogue is evident in their American-inspired The Abstract Series, an heir to the philosophy of Henry David Thoreau represented by the unique 'Eternal Forest' (€20,000/25,000), as well as their Chinese Chan series, which serves as a synthesis of Orientalism seen in the unique 'Chan Li' Sideboard (€50,000/70,000). Their creative scope also extended to Indo-European heritage through the Historical Civilization Series.
‘Eternal Forest’ Table - lot 52
‘Chan Li’ Model Buffet - lot 54
The LaVernes relied on a completely original manufacturing technique based on ancient bronze patination methods. As Evan Lobel, co-author of Alchemy: The Art of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne (Pointed Leaf Press, 2025), explains, they buried their pieces in soil for at least six weeks to achieve the signature "LaVerne patina." In the 1950s, they spent six years experimenting with different metals and soils before finding the optimal combination, which involved an African soil maintained at a low temperature. Lobel notes that they weren't just artists, but chemists, physicists, and true alchemists.
This soil of African origin possessed specific chemical properties, such as unique mineral content and pH levels, and was kept at low temperatures to control oxidation kinetics. The result is instantly recognizable: a layered patina resembling an archaeological surface rather than something uniformly dark or chemically stripped by a standard acid bath.
This unique process is beautifully showcased in the pieces featured in the upcoming auction, such as the 'Chine Fret' model Mirror (€12,000/18,000), a pair of 'Chan' model side tables (€8,000/12,000), and the 'Spring Festival' model coffee table (€8,000/12,000).
The singularity of their creations, which the duo dubbed Functional Sculptures, lies in their dual purpose. Produced either as unique pieces or in very limited editions, they are intended as much for everyday use as for artistic contemplation. Ultimately, these works align far more closely with the avant-garde of design than with luxury decorative furniture or mass-market modernism.
'Chine Fret' Model Mirror - lot 53
'Chan' Model side tables- lot 55
