Geneva, 11 May 2026 - The re-designed Christie's rostrum takes its place in the saleroom in Geneva today for the first time, as Luxury Week begins with the Rare Watches auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
Originally designed and made in the 1700s for James Christie by Thomas Chippendale, the rostrum has been re-designed by Sir Jony Ive and his team at Love From. It was first unveiled on 5 March 2026 at Christie's King Street headquarters in London by Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Brennan, marking 260 years since the company's founding in 1766, subsequently making its debut appearance in Paris.
The rostrum has been central to many of the most important moments in auctioneering and remains at the heart of the Christie's live auction experience. The rostrum now takes center stage during the Geneva Luxury Week sales of Rare Watches (11 to 12 May 2026) and Magnificent Jewels (13 May 2026).
Designed with reverence for the original Thomas Chippendale design, the rostrum celebrates craft and material, elevating the auctioneer, providing a stage for their authority and expertise while maintaining a strong connection to Christie's heritage.
Working with Benchmark, a UK-based team of craftsmen, the rostrum is made from sustainably sourced oak from the same forests that supplied timber for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, with stainless steel elements. It has been engineered to meet the practical demands of a working auction environment while reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship and longevity.
Geneva Luxury Week Dates
About Love From
Love From is a creative collective of designers founded by Jony Ive with Marc Newson, and has studios in San Francisco and London. lovefrom.com
About Sir Jony Ive
Jony Ive is a designer. Born in London, he moved to California in 1992 to join Apple.
As Chief Design Officer, he was responsible for the design of hardware, user interface, packaging and major architectural projects.
Steve Jobs described Jony as his spiritual partner saying, "The difference that Jony has made not only at Apple but in the world is huge." Their unique partnership defined a profound and enduring cultural legacy.
Jony led the design of iconic and category-defining products including the i Mac, Mac Book, i Pod, i Phone, i Pad and Apple Watch. He holds more than 14,300 design and utility patents, uniquely spanning both hardware and software. In 2019 he founded the creative collective Love From with his friend and fellow designer Marc Newson.
Jony lives and works with his family in San Francisco.
About Benchmark
Benchmark is one of the UK's leading furniture makers, internationally respected for its expertise in solid timber and its deep understanding of materials, process and making.
Founded in 1984 by Terence Conran and Sean Sutcliffe, Benchmark was established to create a lasting legacy of making and makers. Over four decades, the company has pioneered sustainable enterprise, combining forward-thinking design with uncompromising craftsmanship to produce furniture built to last for generations.
From finely detailed bespoke pieces to complex, large-scale architectural commissions, Benchmark collaborates with some of the world's leading architects and creative practices. Its work can be found in historic institutions, landmark buildings, and major commercial and residential projects worldwide.
benchmarkfurniture.com / @Madeby Benchmark
(Press Release)
