Christie’s has unveiled a new auctioneer’s rostrum designed by Jony Ive and his design collective, LoveFrom. The sleek, oak-wood platform replaces the traditional design originally created by Thomas Chippendale in the 18th century, which had been the standard for the auction house for over 260 years. Crafted from French oak, the new rostrum features a contemporary rounded aesthetic and was engineered specifically to enhance the acoustic resonance of the auctioneer's gavel.
This redesign marks a significant shift in auction house branding, blending historic tradition with modern industrial design. By commissioning the former Apple design chief, Christie’s is signaling a move toward a more tech-forward, streamlined identity as it rolls out these new rostrums across its global headquarters. The project highlights the importance of the 'theatre' of the auction room, where even the sound of a hammer strike is meticulously calibrated to enhance the high-stakes atmosphere of the art market.