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Mullin Collection Auction Honours Bugatti Family's Artistic Legacy
The Bugatti brand, renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship, draws inspiration from Ettore Bugatti's artistic family. His father, Carlo, was a notable furniture designer, and his brother, Rembrandt, was a famous sculptor. Their timeless creations continue to resonate today, much like Ettore's cars. The Mullin Collection, featuring some of these works, will be auctioned by Bonhams on July 24th.
Peter Mullin (1941-2023), an American businessman and philanthropist, had a profound passion for Bugatti. Known as ‘Mr BUGATTI in America’, he amassed one of the largest Bugatti collections globally. His collection includes rare models like the Type 57SC Atlantic and the 1925 Type 22 Brescia. Mullin founded the Mullin Automotive Museum in 2010 to share his love for French marques such as Bugatti.
Carlo Bugatti (1856-1940) was celebrated for his innovative designs that blended organic shapes with Orientalist and Gothic motifs. His furniture pieces continue to influence modern interior designers today. The Bonhams auction will feature intricately crafted chairs, desks, tables, and display cabinets made from wood, silk, vellum, and copper. These items exemplify Carlo’s artistry and are celebrated in prestigious museums worldwide.
One notable piece is Carlo Bugatti's Mirrored Hall Tree from around 1888. This hall tree is crafted from walnut, ebonized wood, cork, bone, hammered copper, inlaid pewter, and mirrored glass. It is estimated to sell for between $20,000 and $30,000. Like modern Bugatti cars that blend distinctive materials with intricate design, this furniture piece showcases elegance.
Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), Ettore’s brother and a significant early 20th-century sculptor, drew inspiration from wildlife due to his profound love for animals. He became famous for dynamic bronze sculptures depicting exotic animals like the ‘Dancing Elephant’. This motif became a radiator cap for the Bugatti Type 41 ‘Royale’. One standout piece at the auction is the ‘Petite Panthère Assise’, a bronze sculpture with a dark brown patina.
Conceived around 1912 and cast by A.A. Hébrard foundry, this sculpture measures 8 5/8 x 4 5/8 x 14 1/4 inches. It is signed and marked with the foundry's stamp and estimated to sell for between $150,000 and $250,000. Rembrandt’s sculptures are highly coveted by collectors due to their rich provenance and exceptional quality.
Ettore Bugatti's Contributions
Ettore Bugatti himself is represented in one of the auction's standout lots: a Type 52 Bugatti ‘Baby’ car from 1927. Originally designed by Ettore for his son as a replica of the Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix car, this meticulously restored example includes a 12-volt electric motor. Finished in quintessential Bugatti blue livery with a rich red leather interior.
Bugatti enthusiasts can also bid on a motoring trunk once owned by Ettore Bugatti. Constructed from leather with impregnated canvas over a wicker frame and reinforced leather corners. It is stamped with the iconic ‘EB’ initials and features the Bugatti logo on the leather lid trim.
René Lalique's Influence
René Lalique (1860-1945), a celebrated French designer who had personal and professional ties with both Ettore and Rembrandt Bugatti. Together they developed Clos Saint Odile to host prominent figures of their time. The Bonhams sale honours this partnership with over 30 glass sculptures molded by René Lalique’s hand.
These pieces are displayed in the Mullin Automotive Museum and exemplify Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements' elegance and artistry. These movements heavily influenced Jean Bugatti’s iconic designs like the Type 57SC Atlantic.
Peter Mullin’s collection reflects his deep understanding of the Bugatti brand beyond automobiles. It showcases the richness of the family’s story and their artistic flair that has infused the brand since its inception in 1909 through to today.
Bonhams’ unique auction pays homage to Bugatti’s timeless legacy – celebrating a family of artists whose talent unmistakably influenced Ettore and Jean Bugatti’s automobiles still echoing through today's brand.
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