Pentagon Gruppe: valuation, prices, and identification of their works
Pentagon Gruppe, composed of Gerd Arens, Wolfgang Laubersheimer, Reinhard Müller, Ralph Sommer, and Meyer Voggenreiter, stands in opposition to the functional aesthetic inherited from the Bauhaus. Founded in Cologne in 1985, the group developed a radical and informal design approach, going beyond traditional principles of “form, function, materials.”
Today, their creations are attracting growing interest among collectors of contemporary design. The market remains relatively accessible, but prices are gradually increasing.
How to recognize a work by Pentagon Gruppe?
Before any valuation, it is essential to accurately identify your object. Members of Pentagon Gruppe produced:
- unique pieces
- works in very small series (often fewer than 10 examples)
- prototypes
Unlike many designers, they worked directly with materials, particularly metal and minerals, without going through a publisher. Their works are handcrafted, in contrast to industrial production.
To deepen your research, the book Pentagon: Informal Design, published by Taschen, is an important reference, providing extensive information about the group and its works.
However, some designers have explored similar aesthetics and materials. In case of doubt, it is recommended to consult a specialist to confirm authenticity. The Pulp Galerie team can assist you with this process.
What is the value of a Pentagon Gruppe work?
The price of a Pentagon Gruppe piece depends on several criteria:
- type of object (chair, bookcase, table, console)
- provenance (exhibitions such as Documenta in Kassel or Art Frankfurt)
- condition
Prices can range from a few hundred euros to over 30,000 €.
Recent price examples:
| Object | Auction house | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PATENTREGAL BOOKCASE | ARTCURIAL | ~ €3,000 |
| NEON LAMPS — GERD ARENS | - | €3,000 – €6,000 |
| FURNITURE BY W. LAUBERSHEIMER Monolith, Seerose, Amazonas Desk |
- | €3,000 – €4,000 |
Prices shown are recent auction results. Even a rare piece can lose significant value if its condition is altered.
Unique work or small series: a key distinction
This is a crucial point for any valuation:
- unique work → high value
- small series → intermediate value
In the case of Pentagon Gruppe, most works are unique or produced in very small series, which increases their appeal on the market.
Getting a Pentagon Gruppe work appraised
If you own a Pentagon Gruppe piece (Patentregal, Seerose, Library, Neon Stehleuchte, Amazonas Desk, etc.), an expert evaluation is necessary to determine its true value.
A reliable appraisal is based on:
- visual analysis (front, back, details)
- material study • comparison with auction results
Pulp Galerie, specializing in collectible design, offers:
- free valuation
- authentication
- purchase offers
Why consult a specialist?
The Pentagon Gruppe market is rapidly evolving.
An expert helps to:
- secure a sale
- avoid undervaluation
- position the object in the right channel (gallery, private sale, or auction)
Contact and valuation
Would you like to know the value of your piece?
Send us photographs by email at contact@pulpgalerie.com (front, back, details, signature).
We will respond quickly with a reliable valuation.