The ‘AU’ is the UK-based interior stylist Anna Unwin. AU has forged a reputation as being the place to source bespoke pieces that complement simple but refined interior spaces.
The tightly edited collection includes antique, mid-century and vintage objects. Each piece has been chosen because of its strong design as well as its idiosyncrasy. Anna specialises in identifying objects that fit seamlessly into any interior, be it contemporary or more traditional. Every item in the inventory has been owned and valued previously and therefore carries an innate history and longevity which has withstood the test of time and transcends passing design trends.
Some of the collection is subtle in their appeal; some are rare and even unique. However, each piece is sustainably sourced. Anna ascribes just as much worth to an object’s environmental and ethical credentials as she does to its quality and beauty.
The AU collection of furniture, lighting, textiles and objects is not simply beautiful; mostly handcrafted using skills passed down by generations and culturally revered, the pieces also exemplify a production model anchored by a fundamental appreciation of artisans and their craft.
Anna’s refined ‘eye’, as well as her extensive experience as an interior stylist and her background in textiles, enables her to discover those unique pieces - antique, mid century or vintage - that create a special dialogue between space, colour and form.
Lot 162: Lucie Rie (1902-1995) Two coffee mugs, circa 1955
"I am a huge fan of Lucie Rie, so would love to own these beautiful mugs. There is a timeless sense of simplicity in them and are instantly recognisable as Lucie Rie".
Lot 222: Brian Willsher (1930-2010 )Sculpture, 1984
"I studied at Chelsea College of Art and I have always been attracted to handmade pieces with the artist's mark - this hand-carved teak sculpture ticks all the boxes for me. It's beautifully made and the abstract shape lends itself to a contemporary interior".
"This piece is the dream collector's piece".
Lot 311: Saburo Inui (1911-1991) for Tendo Mokko 'Zataku' coffee table
"The devil is in the detail and at a glance, this simple coffee table could fit seamlessly into any interior setting. It's simply beautiful how when looking closer you can see all the well thought out design details the slight curve of the legs and the grain of the wood".
Lot 305: Adrian Pearsall (1925-2011)'Wave Rocker' chaise, circa 1960
"As a minimalist, I was instantly attracted to the simplicity of this piece. I would probably reupholster it in a vintage heavy kilm for a pleasing contrast to the walnut base".
VIEW FULL AUCTION CATALOGUE HERE
You can find AU on Instagram via @anna.unwin