A new report from leading art and auction search engine Barnebys reveals some surprising trends. Among other things, the report reveals astonishing growth in demand for 20th-century design, with the market for design increasing by almost 330 per cent between 2009 and 2016.
The report’s findings are based on an analysis of more than 31 million realised auction prices from 315 auction houses in 29 countries.
It focuses on works by 15 ‘designated designers’ from Denmark, France, Finland, Sweden, and the US and estimates their total market value in 2016 at €38.3 million.
The growth is due in large part to the increased transparency and access that comes with online auctions, which provide more opportunities for more people to buy iconic design furniture.
“Buying design is a better investment than, say, buying art, no matter what the price range,” says Barnebys co-founder and CEO Christopher Barnekow.