Los Angeles – Bonhams showcased the largest collection of Carlo Bugatti (1856-1940) pieces ever to be offered at auction on July 24 in Los Angeles. Over 60 pieces by the world-renowned Art Nouveau designer were up for bidding, with 80% of the lots doubling their estimate or more. Notable pieces included a throne, circa 1900, which sold for five times its estimate at $70,350 (estimate: $12,000-18,000), and a desk, circa 1900, which fetched four times its estimate at $83,050 (estimate: $15,000-25,000). A sterling silver Rare and Exceptional Dragonfly Bowl, circa 1907, also proved to be a crowd-pleaser, selling for an impressive $191,000 (estimate: $80,000-120,000).

"Only a handful of works by Carlo Bugatti tend to be offered at auction every year, so this sale presented an unprecedented opportunity to delve deep into the artist's oeuvre and acquire a superb work by the famed designer," said David Trujillo, Bonhams Head of Sale, Modern Decorative Art | Design based in Los Angeles. "This was a once in a lifetime auction, and the collector response to this incredible collection is reflected in the exceptional results we achieved."

In advance of the sale, Bonhams partnered with acclaimed Los Angeles-based interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who shared his fondness for Carlo Bugatti furniture. He commented, "Bugatti's Hispano Moresque style is so exotic and decorative. The rarity and unique design of his pieces inspire me deeply."

This impressive collection was curated by Merle and Peter Mullin, dedicated to showcasing the artistic prowess of the entire Bugatti family. Peter Mullin (1941-2023), a distinguished American businessman and philanthropist, was renowned for his premier collection of Bugatti automobiles housed in the Mullin Automotive Museum in California.

Overall, Bugatti to Lalique: The Mullin Collection auction was 99% sold, achieving a total of $2.43 million.

Lidia Bugatti (1907-1972), a third-generation artist in the Bugatti family, achieved a world record in the sale. Known for her paintings and animal bronzes akin to her famous uncle Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), offered in the sale was a sculpture of a horse, Cheval debout, 1935, which sold for an astounding $191,000 — 27 times over the estimate of $7,000 - 9,000.

Rembrandt Bugatti's bronze sculptures also garnered considerable attention, with Petite panthère assise, 1912 and Barbara Bugatti en robe à longues manches, 1906 selling for $191,000 and $152,900, respectively.

The collection also featured personal pieces from Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947), including a motoring trunk formerly in his personal property, which sold for $19,000, surpassing its estimate of $3,000-5,000. A Type 52 Bugatti 'Baby' car, designed by Ettore Bugatti for his son as a replica of the Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix car of that era, was also sold for $102,100.

Peter Mullin's appreciation for Art Deco design and motoring led him to accumulate an impressive selection of car mascots by renowned French designer René Lalique (1860-1945). Over 30 pieces of molded glass sculpture, which adorned The Mullin Museum, were up for auction. The top lots included Cinq Chevaux, designed in 1925, and Grenouille, designed in 1928, both of which sold for $9,600.