Record auction sale for La Source

Under the hammer of Simon de Pury, auctioneer who is no longer presented, 53 variations around the Cork Family left during the 19th edition of the auction held yesterday in Saint Germain des Prés, for the benefit of the association La Source, founded a quarter of a century ago by Gérard Garouste, one of the most prolific and recognized contemporary French painters. Offered by Vitra, which publishes the cult creation signed by English designer Jasper Morrison, some 50 pieces have been painted, cut, dissected, dressed and transformed by a remarkable selection from the world of creation, design and architecture. Playing with the Cork stool, yes, but with this reverence reserved for a desired object, desirable and now in hand. Whether it’s regulars or new guests including art critic Clo’ e Floirat, iconoclastic classical artist Mathias Kiss, visual duo Kuntzel+Deygas, designer José Lévy and interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, each of the variations – including the one proposed by Morrison himself – shows the meaning and importance that everyone attaches to this obvious object of simplicity and yet so striking. In the presence of a large number of artists, but also collectors, no less than 145,000 euros were collected at the end of the sale for this now-record edition. They will be used to finance the association’s projects, which are intended to promote access and creative development through art workshops for young people from modest or troubled backgrounds. A wave of generosity that helps turn drops of hope into rivers of creativity.