Marc Newson

Marc Newson, Bucky, de la chimie au design, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, Paris, March 3-April 16, 1995

''Le Transparent et l'Opaque,'' Connaissance des Arts, March 1995, p. 11 (for Newson with a miniature model of the Bucky installation)
''Newson in Omaggio a Fuller,'' Casa Vogue, April 1995, pp. 22-23
Alice Rawsthorn, Marc Newson, London, 1999, pp. 120-121
Conway Lloyd Morgan, Marc Newson, London, 2003, pp. 195 and 198-199

Overall very good original condition consistent with age and use. This lot retains all five of the original metal connectors. The upholstered surface of each of the Buckys showing signs of wear consistent with the aging process of the material. Each with surface dirt, minor abrasions, scattered discolorations and minor nicks and losses to the fabric. The orange Bucky and to a lesser degree the red, showing cracking and crazing to the surface of the material at the center depression of the seat. Both the green and blue Buckys with some holes and minor associated losses to the upholstered surface, none measuring greater than ½ inch, some of which expose the yellow foam color. The yellow and orange Bucky show minor overall change in color from age and gentle use, as seen in the catalogue illustration. The yellow is slightly vivid in coloration than it appears in the catalogue illustration. Each of the Buckys with an isolated areas of a slight geometric impression in the foam the chairs high points. These impressions are most visible on the blue and green Buckys, but on close inspection occur on each work. The yellow Bucky also with a second circular impression measuring two inches in diameter, to the lower portion of the work. The green Bucky appears to possibly have had some restoration undertaken to the lower portion of one corner, which is slightly rough to the touch and appears to overpainted some losses. The nature of the material of these Buckys make restoration difficult and although the restoration is visible, it was sensitively and well executed. A rare opportunity to acquire a large number of the chairs, retaining the connectors, in original condition. Please contact the department for additional images of these chairs installed in the exhibition. Each of the works is an individual chair, which using the connectors can be assembled together.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Marc Newson designed the Bucky installation for the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, Paris.  Fifty individual triangular elements that could be used as chairs were connected together to form a three-quarter sphere.  Newson ''called it Bucky after the newly-discovered carbon molecule, the Buckminsterfullerene.  As time was running out during the installation, Newson enlisted the help of Matthew Barney, who was working on his own Cremaster 4exhibiton for the Fondation, and several ex-French Legionnaires for the assembly.