Max McMurdo, the Bedford-based furniture designer and TV presenter, is currently sharing the spotlight with Banksy at Sotheby’s auction house.
Max, who rose to fame in 2007 on the Dragon’s Den where he showcased his upcycled supermarket trolley chairs, was contacted by the world-famous auction house on behalf of a top-secret client.
Speaking to the Bedford Independent, Max said, “I was approached in September by Sotheby’s and asked if I would produce some of my shopping trolley chairs for a very special client of theirs for an upcoming exhibition and auction.
“My chairs would be positioned in front of one of Banksy’s most iconic and valuable works of art called ‘show me the monet’.
“I have always loved Banksy’s work and when I first saw this painting the similarities with my trolley chairs were apparent.
“Both pieces provoke the viewer to consider the environmental impact of our throw away, all-consuming, capitalist culture.
“I was incredibly excited to be showing my work next to the most famous UK living artist but frustratingly couldn’t tell anyone.”
Max hand-delivered the chairs to Sotheby’s and got his first glimpse at the gallery setting. “The painting took my breath away; the size, detail and dramatic lighting made such an impact.”
The exhibit is part of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction which takes place on 21 October.
The Banksy piece – based on Claude Monet’s painting of his garden at Giverny – is predicted to sell for between £3m and £5m and is offered alongside works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bridget Riley, Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol.
You can place an online bid via the Sotheby’s website.
The Banksy oil painting is displayed in its own room, with three of Max’s trolley chairs positioned as a pair reflecting the painting and a single chair to one side for potential bidders to sit on and view the painting.
“Interest has already been high in these three trolley chairs which may themselves now be auctioned off,” said Max.
Asked if he’d met or communicated with the elusive Bristolian, Max said, “No comment.”
