The Collection of Count Manfredi della Gherardesca | An Ode To An Alchemist Of Design

Dreweatts is proud to announce the sale 'Alchemy of Design: The Collection of Count Manfredi della Gherardesca', taking place on 24 April 2024. This auction is a celebration of one of the most colourful, culturally erudite and well-loved figures in the London and international art and design scenes.
Paying tribute to the late art aficionado and interior designer, Manfredi’s children Margherita and Aliotto della Gherardesca, and good friends and fellow interior design and art virtuosos, Michael S. Smith and Ben Brown, share their insights and memories of this truly original, eclectic, knowledgeable and illuminating alchemist of design.
The auction will take place at Dreweatts on Wednesday 24 April 2024.
To follow the auction and register to bid, visit dreweatts.com
With warm thanks to contributors Michael S. Smith, Ben Brown, Margherita and Aliotto della Gehardesca, and to all Manfredi’s friends and family who have helped to create this film and contributed imagery, including Antonio Monfreda, Bernardo Conti, Constantino Ruspoli, Etienne Hunyady, Wayne Maser and Leone Spalletti.
IMAGERY & ARCHIVE
All imagery included in this film is subject to © Dreweatts 1759, © MDG Family Archive and © MDG Fine Arts Ltd., and those © clearances as indicated on screen, and below.
© Elena Mannocci
© Ben Brown Fine Arts
© Isabella Soulard
© James McDonald
© Constantino Ruspoli
© Roger Wooldridge
© James Yates Brown
© Etienne Hunyady
© Paolo Salvadori
© Wayne Maser
Credits for images licensed under the Creative Commons licences are listed below:
© Florian Hirzinger | Florence Cathedral, Italy | CC BY-SA 4.0
© Michelle Maria| Florence, Italy Uffizi Museum 2013 | CC BY 3.0
© Gerd Eichmann | NYC Brooklyn Bridge 1982 | CC BY-SA 4.0
© Wall Street Bull | Public Domain via LOC
© Giantof | Renzo Mongiardino 1996 | CC BY-SA 4.0
© Giantof | Progetto di Renzo Mongiardino per un salone | CC BY 3.0
© Domenico di Michelino | Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
FILMING TEAM
Directed and Produced by Laura Warner
Cinematography by Alex Metcalfe & Danna Kinsky
LA Producer Sarah Anderson
Edited by Alex Metcalfe and Laura Warner
MUSIC CREDITS
TRACK 1 Musetta's Aria Quando me'n vo' (La Boheme), Instrumental | Created by Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra | Artlist.io
TRACK 2 Cherubinos Aria Voi che sapete, Instrumental | Created by Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra | Artlist.io
TRACK 3 O mio babbino caro, Instrumental | Created by Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra | Artlist.io
TRACK 4 Aftershocks | Created by Ardie Son | Artlist.io
TRACK 5 The House with the Purple Windows | Created by Roie Shpigler | Artlist.io

[@johanminnaar1074]

Beautiful art, impressive children !

[@dissidentfairy4264]

I always become excited when I find one interior presentation that excites me in a plethora of mundane and boring places. It's almost like finding a needle in a haystack to find someone, or an interior that stands out in the crowd, and I've just found it with Manfredi della Gherardesca. 🧚✨💫

[@lisahinkofer2085]

Very eclectic and a beautiful use of color and patterns. These rooms are so much fun to look at. Wonderful

[@missmurrydesign7115]

Delicious...

[@richoneplanet7561]

Love these bios of fascinating people - I can relate to his collection of the same items - I'm recovering but love that concept - great man - great video 👍

[@manita2653]

Take a moment to hear why Count Manfredi’s children are selling pieces their father owned. They clearly explain their reasoning. Their love and respect for him and his vision is why certain things will be auctioned. One can also say, I believe, his love for his children allows each to choose what they like and enjoy…they then can share with society/ the art world/ collectors etc., a tiny bit of Count Manfredi’s massive collection at the Auction this April.

[@ericasuzannedavis]

One day when I go to Heaven, I hope it looks like one of his interiors. My brain is popping with every photo across the screen. This man has incredible taste.

[@alexchancock]

Great. Enjoyed that.

[@tzd2245]

Why selling them?

[@MTMF.london]

He's passed away and his children do not want to keep all the stuff. I reckon they've picked off the best stuff or those that are of special meaning to them.

[@bridgetkeyes6170]

Perhaps house(s) are also being sold and proceeds being split up between the kids too so stuff/antiques need to be sold too?

[@manita2653]

Take a moment to hear why Count Manfredi’s children are selling pieces their father owned. They clearly explain their reasoning. Their love and respect for him and his vision is why certain things will be auctioned. One can also say, I believe, his love for his children allows each to choose what they like and enjoy…they then can share with society/ the art world/ collectors etc., a tiny bit of Count Manfredi’s massive collection at the Auction this April. 2024

[@dissidentfairy4264]

I do hope they think long and hard regarding what they are willing to part with. I know I have sold things in the past that I now regret.

[@lauralintonmacfarlane5264]

Money