A Marc Newson Lockheed chair is to auction at Phillips' design evening sale in London on April 28 with a valuation of up to £1.5m-2.5m ($2.2m-3.6m).

Newson produced 15 Lockheed chairs in the late 1980s, of which four are in permanent collections. The present example represents a rare appearance at auction.

Marc Newson is a celebrated industrial designer

Made from riveted sheets of aluminium, it's a hugely recognisable and sought after piece of contemporary furniture.

Alexander Payne of Phillips explained to the Telegraph: "This chair is considered one of the most important works of the late 20th century, it has become synonymous with everything that is great in design.

"Every time we are lucky enough to offer a Newson Lockheed to the market we have very strong results. The first time round we estimated £500,000 - £750,000 and made £1.1m, the second time, we offered the work at $1m to 1.5m and it made just shy of $2.1m.

"It's a chair that is recognised globally and draws an international audience every time. As a design hero to the world, Newson's work is very identifiable; he has a language and vocabulary that are unique to him."

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