The Collection of A. Alfred Taubman
Environmental, Print, Identity
Created while at Franklyn.
A. Alfred Taubman, an American real estate magnate, philanthropist, and former chairman of Sotheby’s, had amassed an art collection worth approximately $500 million, featuring masters like Raphael, Kandinsky, and Picasso. In the wake of Taubman's passing, Sotheby’s organized a private auction of his collection, aiming to honor his legacy and rehabilitate his reputation following a 2002 price-fixing scandal.
For this occasion, we developed a visual identity that highlighted the prominence of the artists and the significance of the artworks, while also reflecting Taubman’s personal taste. The project encompassed a variety of designs, including a monogram, environmental graphics, and a brochure.
Building a flexible typography system that echoed the mid-century modern style Taubman admired, we a contemporary spin to a timeless aesthetic, applying the designs across detailed four-volume, 400-page auction brochure and a striking two-story vinyl banner adorning Sotheby’s New York headquarters.
Creative Direction: Franklyn
Design: Kenneth Lian