Most reception desks are forgettable. You sign in, you move on. But then there's Frank Gehry's "Icehenge." This isn't just a desk; it's a seven-ton, emerald-green behemoth that just sold for $243,200 at Freeman's in Chicago. That's more than ten times its expected high value and officially the most expensive piece of Gehry-designed furniture ever auctioned. Apparently, some people really appreciate a good first impression.
More Sculpture Than Furniture
The architect known for his wildly deconstructed buildings created Icehenge in 2012 for the lobby of Chicago's Inland Steel Building. Imagine 16 massive, rough-cut glass blocks, stacked at angles, catching the light and weighing as much as a small elephant. Because apparently that's where we are now. It served as both a functional reception desk and an undeniably imposing sculpture.
Gehry's inspiration came from a piece of textured glass he stumbled upon during another project. He stacked these colossal blocks, ensuring their natural bubbles and flaws were highlighted by the shifting light. The glass was tinted a deep green, a deliberate nod to the Inland Steel Building's own windows, creating a dialogue with Richard Lippold's existing Radiant I sculpture.
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Start Your News DetoxDespite its colossal size and the logistical nightmare of moving something that weighs 14,000 pounds, the auction house reported a surprising amount of interest. The winning bidder plans to keep Icehenge accessible to the public, even floating the idea of lending it to a museum. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for anyone who has ever tried to move a couch.
This sale easily surpassed Gehry's previous design record, a playful Fish Lamp that fetched $239,400 in 2021. His overall auction record still belongs to the Winton Guest House, which sold for a cool $905,000 back in 2015. So, if you're looking for a new desk, maybe check your local Gehry dealer. Just make sure you've got the structural integrity (and the budget) for it.
