May 2025’s Classics Collection Auction at Abbeys was a true celebration of Australian design heritage—featuring five outstanding pieces by renowned mid-century craftsman Schulim Krimper, alongside works by other important post-war immigrant designers.
Schulim Krimper: Timeless Australian Design
Schulim Krimper (1893–1971) is widely regarded as a master of modern Australian furniture. Trained in Vienna and later settling in Melbourne, Krimper brought a refined, sculptural approach to furniture-making that prioritised craftsmanship, materiality, and simplicity. He worked outside of mass production, creating one-off pieces that were both functional and beautiful—designed to complement the architecture of the modern home.
This auction presented a rare opportunity to acquire five original Krimper pieces, each reflecting his signature style and exceptional artistry:
- Lot 1: Fumed Ash Sideboard – A stunning example of Krimper’s sculptural cabinetry, with rich grain and elegant proportions.
- Lot 2: Fumed Ash Extension Dining Table – Minimalist, architectural, and beautifully balanced.
- Lot 3: Set of Ten Fumed Ash Dining Chairs – A rare matched set with curved backs and refined detailing—rarely found in this quantity.
- Lot 4 & Lot 5: Glass-Top Teak Side Tables – Distinctive Krimper design, showcasing timber craftsmanship and a modernist sensibility.
These works are highly sought-after by collectors and institutions alike, with Krimper’s pieces held in the National Gallery of Victoria and other major public collections.
Also Featuring: Australia’s Mid-Century Visionaries
May 2025’s auction also included pieces by other key figures who helped define Australian modernist design:
- Jakob Rudowski – Known for sleek, functional forms that introduced Bauhaus ideals to Australian homes.
- Rosando Brothers (Paul and Michael Rosta) – Makers of refined, elegant furniture that combined European design with local materials.
- Dario Zoureff – A Hungarian-born designer celebrated for his bold, sculptural furniture in timber and leather.
Together, these designers represent a golden era of Australian furniture-making—shaped by migration, innovation, and a commitment to quality.
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