A "Zvezda" Cosmonaut Suit Worn on a Soviet Space Agency Mission into Space

London, Design Museum, 'The Conran Foundation Collection 2001 - Marc Newson,' 24 November 2001 - 24 February 2002

Overall very good condition. This work was especially selected by Jony Ive and Marc Newson for the (RED) 2013 auction. This suit presents as gently worn, consistent with its documented history. The suit presents with some minors concentrated discolorations throughout, and with concentrated discolorations to the arm. With a few minor tears to the fabric at the lower left leg, upper left left and fabric tube covering. With a few shallow surface scratches to the face mask. The suit is being sold with the display mount, as seen in the exhibition. This work is being sold with a certificate from the (RED) 2013 auction.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Donated by The Conran Foundation.

This cosmonaut suit - the real-life cousin of the Star Wars Stormtrooper armour (LOT 17) - is one of the few design objects in the world to have gone into outer space. The allure of this spectacular outfit is that every detail is highly considered: built and constructed to perfection, without consideration for cost, a space suit provides a crucial protective layer and there is no room for error. It was produced by Zvezda, the company that outfitted Yuri Gagarin during his epochal 1961 orbit of the Earth.