Taste for the Twentieth Century: Modern Design Classics from San Francisco Collections

An antique (Latin: antiquus; old) is an object that represents a previous era in human society which is collected or desirable because of its age, rarity, condition, utility, or other unique features. Most items are required to be 100 years or older in order to be considered an antique. In the 21st century, early 20th century items have earned antique status, and many mid-century items are highly collectible even if not considered antiquities.

From handmade Arts and Crafts style Dirk van Erp metalwork to sophisticated Frances Elkins chairs...from striking lacquers by Art Deco virtuoso Jean Dunand to a geometric sideboard by De Stijl practitioner Gerrit Rietveld from the unique furniture designs of Carlo Bugatti to the contemporary seating innovations of Frank Gehry—San Francisco collects modern design classics! The 2007 Loan Exhibition presented examples of the critical aesthetic movements of the twentieth century, all found in local collections.