Kerrie-Ann Jones, congratulations on the launch! It sounds like you have poured your heart into curating this gallery. Can you tell me a bit about what sparked the idea?
Thank you. I’ve always had an affinity with mid-century furniture and contemporary art, so it seemed natural to make this an extension of what I offer clients and my audience. Discovering unique and timeless pieces for my clients and my own home is my passion – it’s like going on a treasure hunt. It brings me a lot of joy, so I’m delighted I can now share this with anyone who may appreciate good design and art.
Why did you choose to focus on European and American mid-century pieces? Is there something about that era that resonates with you?
My husband Andrew and I were visiting Saint Ouen flea markets in Paris earlier this year, and I mentioned to him that I’d love to bring some of the beautiful pieces we came across back home to Australia to offer my clients. We have both loved mid-century furniture and been avid collectors, so what started as a few pieces became a container!
We later visited the US for a work trip and found some other wonderful pieces there – such as a brutalist Lane Staccato sideboard – I just knew it had to come home with us!
I am drawn to Italian mid-century for its bold, expressive, yet timeless sensibility, so we have sourced many pieces from designers such as Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, Gae Aulenti, Vico Magistretti and Mario Sabot, to name a few.
However, all pieces, regardless of origin, were chosen because they resonate with me and offer something unique.
You have also included contemporary art in the gallery. How do you go about selecting pieces that work alongside mid-century furniture?
Like the furniture we offer, all the artworks chosen have a timeless quality – I want people to cherish them in their homes forever.
With that in mind, I tend to select art that has a mood or is sculptural and unique.
What does the process of curating for your gallery look like? Are there certain pieces that just “click” for you, or is it more methodical?
I choose art purely by feeling. if I connect with it, could I imagine it in my home or with my clients? All the pieces I have selected have just ‘clicked’ for me! There needs to be something emotive or dynamic about the art for me to include it. My method is if my heart flutters when I see it, then I know it’s right to include in the gallery.
For anyone just starting out with collecting vintage furniture, what advice would you give?
Do your research to understand what you can about the piece before you purchase it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure its authenticity or structural integrity.
Measure the space where you intend to put the furniture to ensure the proportions work. Vintage furniture is a piece that you’ll hold onto for a lifetime, so only buy pieces that you absolutely adore.
And what’s your vision for Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery as it grows?
At present, the gallery is online only. However, we’d like to expand to a physical space, ideally in the Sutherland Shire. I live in the area and find locals must travel into the city suburbs for good art and design. I’d like to bring that to the shire someday.
Next year we will also expand our offering to include contemporary furniture and object design by international and local artisans and makers.
I have designed a small collection of bespoke furniture, including a sideboard, console table and stools, and we’ll also be expanding the collection in the future.
