Christie’s has announced today that it will be taking an unconventional route to expand in the market for decorative objects, furniture and other collectibles by opening a physical location in 1st Dibs new Terminal Stores location on 11th Avenue in Manhattan as well as a appearing as a vendor on the 1st Dibs platform.

1stdibs, the leading digital marketplace for the world’s most beautiful things, and Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, have jointly announced a collaboration that introduces a special collection presented by Christie’s available for purchase through 1stdibs.

Starting May 1, 2019, Christie’s will be an exhibitor at the 1stdibs Gallery in New York City, also selling its “Christies for 1stdibs” collection exclusively through the new Christie’s digital storefront on 1stdibs.com. This will allow collectors to access Christie’s listings without having to wait for an auction. A preview of the collection has gone live online today, with a select number of works available for immediate purchase.

The offering features approximately 100 items of furniture and decorative objects with prices starting below $1,000. The sale will feature property from various consignors, including esteemed interior designer Juan Montoya, who is curating the Christie’s exhibition at the 1stdibs Gallery and is a member of the 1stdibs Trade Program.

“We are delighted to work with Christie’s, renowned globally for their esteemed auctions, record-breaking sales, and expertise in the fine and decorative arts to offer these specially curated objects for purchase immediately in a new and exciting format for Christie’s,” said Cristina Miller, Chief Commercial Officer, 1stdibs. “There is tremendous synergy between 1stdibs and Christie’s, and we look forward to exploring additional ways to offer continued benefit to our combined networks of collectors and interior designers.” 

“The collaboration with 1stdibs, the leaders in ecommerce luxury goods, is an exciting opportunity for Christie’s,” comments Matthew Rubinger, Deputy Chief Marketing Officer, Christie’s.  “Through offering a buy it now option for this specially curated group of furniture and objects beautifully designed by Juan Montoya, we are providing more options for our discerning collecting base. In addition, we are thrilled to introduce Christie’s to a whole new group of collectors, many of whom are based in New York as well as connect with new buyers entering our market digitally.”

Some of the standout objects from “Christie’s for 1stdibs” collection will include a pair of Swiss ‘black forest’ large antler trophy mounts, circa 1905-1906; a pair of Indonesian ‘Art Deco’ stained wood and caned bergere; a pair of French ‘Art Moderne’ mahogany and caned armchairs; a massive Minton majolica aubergine-ground ‘Marochetti’ cistern; and a group of seven petal-form side tables designed by Juan Montoya.