Let’s Call It a Movement

As the co-founder and creative director of R & Company, a New York–based gallery devoted to design, I have dedicated the last three decades to helping define and expand the market for what we now all call Collectible Design. But let’s pause on that phrase for a moment because the term “design” alone is a broad one, and that breadth has at times obscured the identity of this field. Design can mean fashion, graphics, automobiles, architecture, even branding. When I speak about collectible design, I’m referring specifically to furniture, lighting, and objects created by artists, architects, designers, or craftspeople, objects made with innovation, artistry, and intention, often existing somewhere between utility and sculpture. We’re at a pivotal moment for this field. My 30 years in the industry have rewarded me with an opportunity to share some of the history of collectible design, trace how the market evolved, and offer my perspective on where it’s headed next.