A Moment with Florence Fournier

ArticleDecorative ArtsStaff Profile

1 Sep

Written By Lizzie Snow

Specialist, Decorative Arts at Webb’s

*Florence’s favourite Webb’s finds: Campana Brothers 'Celia' Dining Suite. Sold $28,680*

Before starting her role with the Webb’s Decorative Arts department in early 2021, Christchurch-born Florence S. Fournier used to attend “almost every Webb’s auction.” She did so not as a prospective buyer, but “just to take in the atmosphere.”

At that point Florence was working for Mr Bigglesworthy, the Auckland retail store with a focus on premium mid-century modern furniture and vintage design classics, and her budding enthusiasm for industrial design had found a theatrical stage set at Webb’s vibrant auction floor.

As a young, recent graduate with a focus on business, arts and communications, she began learning as much as she could about the craft of furniture making, particularly from brands whose designs have withstood the test of time.

“At the furniture store it was especially nice when we would get in a vintage piece and we also had the new, contemporary iteration in stock. It was great to see the little tweaks and changes in its evolution which have ensured its longevity.”

But what makes these items endure? What gives that ‘classic’ status to an utilitarian object like a chair or a table? “You have to start with the items that tend to hold or increase in value,” she says, “in the same way as with good art. They reflect the time they were created and they say something about the society around them. This ensures they have a lasting impact and become part of a larger history of decorative art.”

*Florence’s favourite Webb’s finds: A Paolo Piva 'Alanda' Sofa for B+B Italia. Sold $7,170*

As examples, and very much in line with her fascination with modernism and mid-century craft, she offers Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Florence Knoll. “I could go on and on,” she warns, “but in general, they are designers who used materials in ways that hadn’t been done before and paved the way for future generations.”

Part of Florence’s role at Webb’s involves installing exhibitions and styling photoshoots aimed at highlighting the design vocabularies of consigned objects and exploring their versatility in gallery or editorial contexts. “My favourite days at Webb’s are the install days,” she confesses and talks about bringing items out of storage to give them a chance to shine: “I absolutely love working hands-on with objects and telling a curated story with them.”

That passion has turned her into something of a rising star in the field: “Florence’s installs are unrivalled in the New Zealand auction scene,” says Leah Morris, Head of Decorative Arts at Webb’s. “She is very meticulous and is always improving,” continues Morris, mentioning the inherent elegance of a photoshoot made to coincide with à la poursuite de la beauté, Webb’s 2022 auction of Lalique glass. What is Florence looking forward to in coming months? “2024 mr mod sales,” she says unequivocally, “working with such a vast quantity of quality stock is such a privilege. These sales offer incredible buying opportunities for rare designs with exceptional provenance.”