05/16/2025
It is with deep sorrow we share the sad news that Stefan Lawrence passed away on May 11th.
Stefan founded Twentieth in 1999 and was an influential force on the forefront of an aesthetic movement that became the culture of collectible design as we know it today. Starting with a focus on midcentury modern design, by 2001, he spearheaded a shift to embrace a new wave of international contemporary design. Twentieth’s innovation was to blend an experimental avant-garde contemporary art gallery environment with a design sensibility grounded in classic modernist Bauhaus principles that emphasize craft, form, and materiality.
Stefan’s greatest strengths were his impeccable curatorial eye, which he used to combine objects and environments in unexpected and innovative ways, and his unwavering support and championing of artists and designers, promoting their work and tirelessly encouraging them to explore and expand their creative talents. It is those two qualities that make a great gallerist, and he had them in spades.
The list of artists and designers that Stefan has represented and promoted is long. He could spot talent early, and many creatives that he started working with in their early years went on to become large international forces in the design world.
Stefan was a much loved member of the art and design community, and will be greatly missed. His kindness and generosity was always noted by friends as well as collaborators. His creative spirit and vision had an impact on the world, and his warm personality had an impact on everyone he met.
We will miss him deeply.
Although it may evolve over time, Twentieth will continue to operate under the direction of Daniele Albright, Stefan’s longtime collaborator who has worked alongside him for over 25 years.