Liz O'Brien, Modern Design and Decorative Arts

For more than 15 years Liz O'Brien has been discovering the "new" old names of 20th century design. She introduced works by American designers Samuel Marx, William Haines and Karl Springer to a new generation of tastemakers. O’Brien was an early proponent of French design of the 1940s and 50s, including the furniture of Jansen and the whimsical creations of Line Vautrin. Recent years have found O’Brien championing European industrial design of 1960s and 70s, bringing the steel, brass and glass furniture of Maria Pergay and Gabriella Crespi to the attention of contemporary designers. O'Brien's discerning clients include the most respected architects, interior designers, museum curators and private collectors who rely on her expertise and trust her taste.

Liz O’Brien’s distinctive point of view is guided by a passionate interest in the history of design and decoration.She sees architecture, furniture, textiles and art objects as individual elements that are integrated by historical and personal style. Her research on design and style has led to the publication of several books. O'Brien is the author of Samuel Marx: Furniture and Decorations (1996) and was a contributor to Class Act: William Haines Legendary Hollywood Decorator (2005). 2007 saw the publication of O'Brien's monograph on Samuel Marx, Ultramodern, which was described in House Beautiful magazine as "a work of scholarship and sincere appreciation--Samuel Marx deserves this reappraisal; he's a founder of American chic."