New World Auction Record Established For Philip And Kelvin Laverne At Bonhams
New York – On March 4, Bonhams’ New York Modern: The Evan Lobel Collection, the inaugural live sale at its newly unveiled U.S., flagship location at 111 West 57th Street in New York, concluded with strong results and established new world auction records. Bringing together a refined selection of works amassed over three decades by discerning New York gallerist Evan Lobel (b. 1964), the auction saw impressive performances from a group of prominent designers and artists, whom Lobel knew and championed at Lobel Modern, including Philip (1907–1987) and Kelvin LaVerne (1937–2025), Karl Springer (1931–1991), Paul Evans (1931–1987) and Andy Warhol (1928–1987).
Overall, the sale exceeded its presale expectations, totaling $1.7 million with 83% lots sold.
Leading the live sale were two works by the renowned American father‑son artistic duo Philip (1907–1987) and Kelvin LaVerne (1937–2025). They included two exceptional sideboards: the Bathers cabinet, circa 1968, which achieved $381,500, more than 4x its estimate, setting a new world auction record for the designers; and a rare ‘Chan Li’ cabinet, circa 1980, which realized $229,100, more than 5x its estimate, further underscoring the high demand for LaVerne works.
Additional highlights in the sale included:
- Sid Bass, painted circa 1980, by Andy Warhol (1928–1987), sold for $152,000.
- Sitting Bull, 1986, by Andy Warhol (1928–1987), sold for $64,000.
- Dance of Fauves Console Table, 1960, Philip (1907–1987) and Kelvin LaVerne (1937–2025), sold for $51,200.
- Unique ‘Female Nudes’ Faceted Wall Sculpture, circa 1970, Philip (1907–1987) and Kelvin LaVerne (1937–2025), sold for $44,800.
