Robert Kime | The Personal Collection - An Appreciation Part 1

Paying tribute to the late Robert Kime, listen to Nina Campbell, Annabel Elliot, Liz Elliot, Will Fisher, Robin Birley, Rupert Thomas, and Michael S. Smith reminisce about their fondest moments spent with their great industry hero, mentor, peer, and above all, friend.
Known the world over as a titan of design and the ‘great assembler’ of beautiful things, Robert Kime’s unique eye and aesthetic sensibility led him to become one of the leading design figures of his generation.
The culmination of Robert’s lifetime of collecting will form a three-day auction, charting his passion, curiosity, and delight in beautiful things through the contents of his homes in London and Provence.
Robert’s family hope that this sale will give the opportunity for all collectors, young and old, to enjoy the objects Robert chose to call ‘old friends.’
The auction will take place at Donnington Priory from 4-6 October 2023
Follow the link below to keep up to date about the sale, our series of events, and highlights:
www.dreweatts....
With warmest thanks to contributors Nina Campbell, Will Fisher, Rupert Thomas, Annabel Elliot, Liz Elliot, Robin Birley, and Michael S. Smith, and the Kime Family.
CREDITS
FLOWERS Dreweatts 2023 Interiors Imagery - by Hannah Kime & Shane Connolly
IMAGERY & ARCHIVE
All imagery included in this film is subject to © Dreweatts 1759, and those © clearances as indicated on screen, and below. We would like to extend our huge thanks and appreciation to the following:
© Kime Family Archive
© Hannah Kime
© Tessa Traeger
© Fritz von der Schulenburg | Interior Archive
© Christopher Simon Sykes
© Robert Kime Ltd
© Jamb
© Barney Hindle
© Christie’s Images Ltd, 2012
© PA Images | Alamy
© Mark Tantrum
© Sivan Lewin
MUSIC Intermezzo No. 2 in A Major, Johannes Brahms | Created by Brooklyn Classical | Artlist.io
MUSIC Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 90, D. 899, Franz Schubert | Created by Michele Nobler | Artlist.io
Directed and Produced by Laura Warner
Cinematography by Zoran Veljković, Alex Metcalfe and Danna Kinsky
Assistant Camera by Jason Cleaver, Bradley Shemmell, Baltazar Veljković, Jack Mather and Sarah Anderson
Edited by Richard Lozberg

[@pinkpoodle7100]

What a wonderful tribute to Mr. Kime from all his beloved friends. I have saved this video and watch it often. Cheers!

[@milkshake3350]

Oh, to spend some time in his beautiful home, what a treat that would be. What a talented man he was. I have to say, what an elegant lady Nina Cambell is too, just beautiful.

[@robertwessels9827]

I continue to watch this… it is mesmerizing! I love the way his friends speak of Robert.

[@Helen-qb4gv]

Surface was everything when it came to objects, and nothing when it came to people. What a beautiful compliment. I would be so honoured if someone were to think that of me.

[@terryarrow702]

What a wonderful tribute. A thoroughly fascinating & interesting watch. And those beautifully decorated rooms are just gorgeous.

[@maisondesalbertins]

I just came across this video and I am so deeply sad to acknowledge that Robert Kime has passed away. He had so much talent for combining colours and patterns and eclectic materials, and such a well-read and lovely person too. He is such an inspiration to me, but I guess for many of us. I just cannot believe it, it's such a shame. Thank you for having enhanced our interiors with stunning pieces that tell a story.

[@missmurrydesign7115]

Robert Kime is what the universe shares with us mere mortals when it is showing off...

[@JohnJSteinbeck]

With respect, can I suggest you get out a little more, a walk in the countryside may help …

[@221b-Maker-Street]

@@JohnJSteinbeck Prefacing a comment like this with the phrase _"with respect"_ doesn't convey any respect at all; it just - with respect - makes you appear an insufferable arse.

[@JohnJSteinbeck]

@@221b-Maker-Street Thank you for your comment mind and alphabet police 🤦‍♂️

[@nuiwai5402]

This wonderful designer seemed akin to being a painter, but of objects, colours, light, lines, textures all fusing to this quality of elevating the spirit in a symphony that was uniquely him❤ thank you

[@ginahamlyn2569]

Very touching to hear such beautiful words spoken about someone who was obviously such a genuine soul and who was blessed with an enormous gift that was shared so graciously.

[@DarrylGrantaba]

Amen. He epitomized English style, the soul and heart of it.

[@spinynorman8217]

When I discovered Robert, I felt an immediate kinship with his aesthetic, everything clicked into place. When I heard of his passing I thought of how the world had lost one of the good guys, a person who had sprinkled beauty and wonderment around him. This planet is lessoned without Robert's colossal creative talent, he truly was a gift to a world that has so many bad things to contend with.

[@michelez715]

Sublime decorator with an impeccable eye for putting things together. And a nice man, too. I remember seeing a video of him a few years ago, when he said he started collecting things, just things he liked, not necessarily of any value, as a young boy, so he was obviously born with that love of beautiful things.

[@lcg5790]

I am so sad, I didn't know he'd passed. I just loved his style and hearing his stories. This is a moving tribute not just about a dealer or talent but about a man who loved his people too. Lovely.

[@mariapiamonguillot6618]

Thank you Robert Kime

[@romikim4548]

Good to know about him. Thank you.

[@terrybear5398]

What a charmingly warm and gracious man, and home. Thank You.

[@juliancoulden1753]

What a joy to watch this vignette of this unique and amazing man and his life.

[@theredandwhitefarmhouse]

I didn’t know he passed. Just came across this video. Such an inspiration

[@stevenplayford5803]

I would have loved to see his flat as some kind of museum, I know that is wildly impractical. He has been a huge inspiration to many. Liking objects for your taste, not the price, his stuff never looked pretentious as a result. The arrangement and layering of things, is just faultless.

[@jamesallison4875]

In a very very small way, I’m looking around my studio and feel proud that it embodies his esthetics. I do understand his way of thinking about his surroundings. Thanks for this wonderful tribute. RIP.

[@theSingingMole]

A wonderful video. Thank you so much for sharing

[@haidermeerza7215]

Excellent

[@kismit100]

He was an incredible gentleman ❤

[@jimjimgl3]

Such a warm and moving tribute to a creative person. Kime seemed somehow, if this video showing his work is any indication, to caress objects into a totality with all the other pieces used in a room.

[@janoginski5557]

Charming and quite fascinating. He was loved and respected which is incredibly touching. If I’m not mistaken that is Nina Campbell at the beginning. I used to be acquainted with Jimmy Drysdale a wonderful character, sadly he has departed.

[@janoginski5557]

I just wanted to say this. I was aware that Jimmy, (Drysdale), was acquainted with Nina, the reason being, Jimmy used to stock some of my work, which were decorative objects, screens, Blackamoor, hat boxes, all painted with a variety of faux finishes and I do remember Jimmy saying that Nina would almost certainly be interested in the work, but we never got round to following it up. That was a long time ago now back in the latish 90's. Where does our Time go? It marches on relentless. I'm still involved in doing a variety of Design Work. Herein the UK & in Dallas, Texas. Our Family was involved in the Antique business for many years, so seeing Roberts eclectic collection touches the Soul.

[@CrankyHermit]

A true materialist, in the best sense, he was. In love with artful manipulation of the properties of the material world, in order to express those of an intangible, spiritual one.

[@ColumcilleODonnell-zu8eq]

A legend.

[@TheFiown]

Robert has always inspired me, his taste is wonderful and the way he puts colour and texture together is everything. My home is heavily influenced by him and his gorgeous flat. Sadly missed, he still had so much more to say.

[@jonathanphillips3060]

He did some rooms at my parents house in London, and the atmosphere he made there was simply incredible..

[@duben55]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories and allowing me to get to know, too late, Helas!, a genius, kindred spirit, inspiring beyond his time. Bravo!

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Amazing Talent Designer...celebrated every piece around him...everything has a story to relived for many years..Awesome taste for this...great eye.. God blessing in his passing,.

[@katherinestephens7674]

In the US had no privilege of enjoying so much of him. Going through my portfolio of precious influences, I saved one photo that turned out to be by Robert Kime . His fabrics were carried by John Rosselli. I return to that photograph often. It has all of the attributes that you have all described. For me, as well, it was about scale and his manipulation of it. My inspiration....wish I could have known him too. How fortunate you were.

[@johnerdmann2700]

INSPIRATIONAL LIFE AFFIRMING

[@kermitthefrog3632]

Just lovely!

[@lunaholiday8585]

Lovely

[@byronskoretz7650]

Its always just stuff that you can't take with you when you die. Would loved to have met him.

[@heehaw-i6u]

Goodness!

[@phillkane1691]

What an amazing and talented man

[@miketrue6364]

So sad he’s gone😢

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

"Nothing's very valuable anyway" ~RK.

[@pyewackett5]

The country house look. Faded fabrics , saggy sofas , lots of little lamps & rugs all over the place. Nice 'n safe

[@jakecavendish3470]

He did my downstairs loo in 2001. Smashing job

[@kermitthefrog3632]

What a sad little person you are.

[@emiliebova]

Impressive

[@kartikacandrast.2937]

An appreciation

[@adimuhardi]

Selamat dan Sukses selalu❤

[@beetlebum1]

I miss his presence. He was my absolute favourite and this made me v sad to watch

[@valeriejewell2015]

Oh, yes, got to meet and shake the hand of Jay Spectre, at an event, I believe it was at the Century Furniture Gala, at the Boston Design Center....he signed my program, a very sweet man....I believe it was 1985-86....

[@valeriejewell2015]

I am an Artist, an Interior Designer, and a former Antique Dealer, and a Salesperson.....we bring more than what is expected....we hold out our hand, and everyone wants to drink us in.....not bragging, just a simple detail person.....

[@JohnJSteinbeck]

This is an inspiring homage to Robert, even with that constant annoying piano music twittering away in the background 🤦‍♂️

[@Gloppp]

Wonderful home, though i would not have painted so much of the brickwork white, rather i would have elected to stain it, if i did not care for the color pallet it presents.

[@Roman_Goss_Art]

🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆💯🧡💯✅

[@violetchoi6988]

10:42

[@carolinalarrain9358]

Please don’t sell anything, make a little museum with his treasures.

[@MTMF.london]

Has there ever been a more toff-ish set of people assembled than here!!??😆

[@CrankyHermit]

Thank goodness for the subtitles then, so you could understand what they're saying. But if you despise such lovely people as these, you're likely beyond reaching. Toodles.

[@MTMF.london]

@@CrankyHermit They were all speaking English darling, maybe the subtitles were for you. And I love those toffs - they are my kind of people 😘

[@CrankyHermit]

@@MTMF.london Whoosh! But glad to know I was wrong in my first impression of your remark. Kind regards.

[@MTMF.london]

@@CrankyHermit Whoosh! Sarcasm went over your head😁

[@catherinemalian9558]

Tydzuyedrdsyrtytrferterdijjrdijtirhfexfkikdirrheutuutfddyuyedusuiiketziyetcfteoirttrlevhsurtyletzidiuvrversyrheileisbreuvoip

[@pritisangha5122]

😪😪😪

[@WaKincaid]

Repeat

[@benhassan11]

we are certain he made up lots of false stories about his hoard just to enhance their value.

[@fritz4345]

Marie Kondo has some work to do here.

[@ronwalker4849]

I AM NOT A MINIMALIST BUT TOO MUCH STUFF FITTED INBETWEEN CORNERS JUST SUCKS THE OSYGEN OUT OF A ROOM. IN VERSAILLES THE DECORATOR HAS PUT SO MANY THINGS IN EVERY PLACE THAT WE HAVE NOW CLASSIFIED IT AS POLISH PROVINCIAL. THE HOUSE TAKES ON THE SMELL OF A SECOND-HAND SHOP WITH NO MASCULINITY. JUST FRILLS FOR AN AGING BIDDIE.

[@catherinemalian9558]

Crgtiujtrezvhcvrrucoôdoozuduttsurgrftegrfrdinityyrotgrfyrcrftbreurtoiidcrftcollecfkesurhrviidjbjjhrytrchhhrfrbreudevfeucoibjetretoiudhiucesurheilrlrgheoidrfitiuyytdfytdkrubnrdftunrgecjbfekghrbllecfgudcfdlfijblrfgihdcrdobjetrjrjudsufcgllndirtteulreuyeuddibfeucoopmrdteoudleidvrviidedtrdvfsyccgfhrllelrvhvvdtfrcvekrytetxfrdteoidcrgggeisutuileddijbfbhkidxfijhryrtsurhrjeudkivgvgrgrfemzuygftriiyrbokudinllndirtduirtrtrftevonneuddruutyukeohrfdsuddibfeuciiidutplecfkeconnzuddsncfebhjhcfdjgvlkdsiketetdfeilr