Peter Mullin’s Esteemed Bugatti Collection Set for Historic Auction by Bonhams

Peter Mullin’s legacy as ‘Mr BUGATTI in America’ is honored through a Bonhams auction featuring his extensive Bugatti collection, including rare cars and exquisite Bugatti family artworks.

The legacy of Peter Mullin, a revered American businessman and philanthropist known as ‘Mr BUGATTI in America,’ is poised to be celebrated through an extraordinary auction. Mullin, who passed away in 2023, was renowned for his profound passion for Bugatti vehicles, amassing one of the world’s most extensive collections, including rare models like the Type 57SC Atlantic and the 1925 Type 22 Brescia. His dedication extended beyond mere ownership; he established the Mullin Automotive Museum in 2010, focusing on French marques, particularly Bugatti.

Bonhams will auction Mullin’s remarkable collection, which not only highlights his cherished cars but also an array of exquisite works by the Bugatti family.

The sale is the largest-ever offering of furniture by Carlo Bugatti, sculptures by Rembrandt Bugatti, and select Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces, marking a significant homage to the Bugatti family’s craftsmanship and artistic heritage.

Carlo Bugatti’s innovative designs, merging organic shapes with Orientalist and Gothic motifs, are well-represented in the auction. Highlights include intricately crafted chairs, desks, tables, and display cabinets, all showcasing Carlo’s signature use of materials like wood, silk, vellum, and copper. These masterpieces, celebrated in prestigious institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Musée d’Orsay, continue to influence contemporary designers.

One standout piece is Carlo Bugatti’s Mirrored Hall Tree from circa 1888, estimated to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000. This hall tree, composed of walnut, ebonized wood, cork, bone, hammered copper, inlaid pewter, and mirrored glass, exemplifies Carlo’s unparalleled artistry, mirroring the innovative spirit of modern Bugatti automobiles.

The auction also features sculptures by Rembrandt Bugatti, renowned for his dynamic bronze depictions of exotic animals. Among the highlighted pieces is the ‘Petite Panthère Assise,’ a bronze sculpture with a dark brown patina, estimated at $150,000 to $250,000. This work, conceived around 1912 and cast by the A.A. Hébrard foundry, is a testament to Rembrandt’s exceptional talent and is highly sought after by collectors.

Ettore Bugatti’s contributions are not overlooked, with the auction including a Type 52 Bugatti ‘Baby’ car from 1927, meticulously restored and featuring a 12-volt electric motor. Additionally, a motoring trunk owned by Ettore Bugatti, showcasing his initials and the Bugatti logo, is among the notable items.

The auction also honors the Bugatti family’s peers, particularly celebrated French designer René Lalique, who shared a profound connection with Ettore and Rembrandt Bugatti. Over 30 pieces of Lalique’s glass sculptures will be auctioned, exemplifying the elegance of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements that heavily influenced Bugatti designs.

Peter Mullin’s collection is a testament to his deep understanding and appreciation of the Bugatti brand, reflecting the family’s rich history and the artistic flair that defined their legacy. Bonhams’ auction not only celebrates the timeless legacy of the Bugatti family but also stands as a fitting tribute to Mullin’s dedication and passion, ensuring that the Bugatti heritage continues to inspire and captivate future generations.

Source: The Mullin Collection Auctioned by Bonhams: A Tribute to the Artistic Legacy of Bugatti