Gehry’s glass desk smashes auction record – a chicago landmark’s unexpected value

A 15,000-pound glass security desk designed by Frank Gehry has fetched a staggering $243,200 at auction, far exceeding initial estimates and setting a new benchmark for Gehry’s sculptural design objects.

A curious piece finds a new home

The piece, dubbed ‘Icehenge’ by Freeman’s auction house, originated in 2012 as a commission for the lobby of the Inland Steel Building in Chicago – a striking 1958 tower originally conceived by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Gehry, known for his audacious manipulation of materials, collaborated with Oakland’s John Lewis Glass Studio to create the functional desk from sixteen monumental, green-tinted cast glass elements. It’s a conversation starter, to say the least.

The desk’s design cleverly echoes the building’s own green-sheathed windows, punctuated by bubbles and cracks that scatter light throughout the otherwise stark lobby. It has served as the building’s staffed security desk for years, but a recent foreclosure action and subsequent acquisition by New York Life Insurance Company have now placed it on the market – and in the hands of a private collector with ambitious plans.

Beyond the estimate

The sale price, surpassing the $100,000 to $200,000 estimate, also eclipses the previous highest price achieved for a Gehry design object – $239,400 paid for his ‘Fish Lamp’ at Phillips in 2021. It speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of Gehry’s innovative approach and the surprising value held within his unconventional creations. Frank Gehry himself held a small stake in the property from 2005 to 2007, illustrating his longstanding appreciation for the building’s distinctive Architecture.

The buyer, whose identity remains undisclosed, is now responsible for the complex logistics of moving and installing the hefty glass structure. While initial reports suggested a temporary museum loan was being considered, Freeman’s indicates the collector intends to retain public access to ‘Icehenge,’ exploring the possibility of a limited exhibition. This piece isn't just a desk; it’s a fragment of architectural history, a testament to Gehry's vision, and now, a prized possession.