Louis Osman: The Jenkins Family Collection

A large 18ct gold cigarette case by Louis Osman, 1973, of hinged slightly rounded rectangular form and plain polished finish, with slide action, hallmarked for London 1973, with maker’s mark ‘LO’, in original fitted cork travelling case, dimensions approximately 183 x 41 x 15mm. £18,000-£20,000




Please note ARR will apply to this lot (Artist’s Resale Rights).

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Louis Osman: The Jenkins Family Collection.

View
Collection

This case was commissioned in 1971 from Louis by Mrs Jenkins as a surprise Christmas gift for her husband Maurice. The case was made especially to accommodate 24 Benson & Hedges kingsize cigarettes, as favoured by Mr Jenkins. This commission gives a clear demonstration of Louis’ attention to detail; he wrote to Benson & Hedges to seek confirmation (which he received) that the dimensions of this particular cigarette would not be changing before finalising the design.
Louis designed the case to resemble a seamless block of gold with no visible clasp to open it, but this simplicity was deceptive; the sliding mechanism was technically very complicated. Initially there were some issues achieving the smooth slide action; as a result the case was remade in 1973. Since this final repair the case’s smooth slide action has remained fully operational.


“[Louis’] gold pieces show the softness and richness of this lovely metal, so often hidden nowadays beneath a hard commercial shine. Louis finds gold inspiring: he chooses the colours of his alloys, the organises his hammering and hand burnishing and strong shapes all with the same aim: to allow this noble metal to be itself.” Graham Hughes, Art Director of the Goldsmiths’ Company 1951 - 1980.


Exhibited:
Osman: An exhibition of the Works of Louis Osman, at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire, 18 & 19 May 1974, exhibition catalogue no. 12.
A copy of this exhibition catalogue accompanies this lot together with further related correspondence.