The meticulously curated auction Art + Design by Wright features a collection of modern furniture and contemporary art that is both witty and bold. The museum-quality compilation blends humor with designs that defy convention, with each piece chosen for its earned importance in the art community. Chairs and lamps are contorted into unusual shapes, becoming almost sculptural while still retaining their function. Arresting neon abstract screen-prints by a Roman Catholic nun are included alongside the ironic paperback book creations of two mysterious art dealers, all of whom have challenged what it means to be an artist. These items, though full of tensions that characterize contemporary art, still manage to possess accessible beauty that appeals to many types of collectors.
The auction includes vibrant prints by Sister Mary Corita, a group of pieces by Bruce Conner including lithographs and oils, and a rare Polaroid of Bianca Jagger taken by Andy Warhol during the height of Studio 54 and originating from his personal estate. There is also an experimental series of letters by James Lee Byars as well as pieces by the Connor Brothers (the mysterious art dealers), Cindy Sherman, Wayne Thiebaud, James Lee Byars, Ettore Sottsass, Charlotte Perriand, Verner Panton, Dorothy Grebenak, and many more. What makes this collection unique is the timeless modernity of the pieces, each as relevant today as they were originally. To view the collection in full and register to bid, go to Wright.
Own a piece of history with the third installment of the Armstrong Family Collection by Heritage Auctions. On July 20, 1969, America had achieved what was previously unimaginable: a man had walked on the moon. Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 mission’s monumental achievement has become synonymous with American pride and discovery. A culmination of what a nation is capable of. What is not widely known is that the Apollo 11 astronauts took many items in their personal preference kit, on their eight-day journey. Presented is a rare opportunity to own some of the artifacts that Armstrong took and brought back on his mission, as well as personal items from the astronaut’s life.
Included from the Apollo mission is fabric from the left wing of the Wright Brother’s 1903 Flyer, a tie clip carried by Armstrong, and several flags flown on the mission. Also present is Armstrong’s priceless Apollo 11 Robbins medallion with original Apollo 11 insignia. Traditionally these medals are only made available to astronauts and are flown on their missions, and have become the ultimate souvenir in space memorabilia. To further explore the fascinating auction and register to bid, go to Heritage Auctions.
The upcoming literary auction Aviation, Easton, Atlases, 17th Century by National Book Auctions offers a selection of rare, antique, and decorative books. With 167 lots that include authors’ signatures and first editions, each would be an important addition to any library. Featured is a collection of volumes on early aviation from the library of a pioneering female aviator, selections from the library of a retired Eastern Orthodox Church priest, and several antique atlases and sets of decorative literature. Highlights include a very rare 1683 first edition by Bartholomaeo Corsetto with gilt hand toolinga, a signed first edition copy of “A Visit to Egypt” by scientist and baron William George Armstrong, and a 1712 foilo of “Alle de Wercken van den Heere Jacob Cats.” For the complete catalogue and bidding registration, go to Live Auctioneers.
The Historic Summer Fine Art, Antique, and Jewelry Auction offered by Case Antiques is a diverse and varied collection of decorative art, fine art, and jewelry. Featured lots include a three-stone diamond engagement ring, a landscape oil painting from Henry Moret, and several luxury watches. This auction also holds numerous curiosities and collectibles, such as antique pocket pistols and a war drum dating back to the original union of the United Kingdom. With over 750 available lots and starting bids ranging from $100 to $60,000, this auction appeals to collectors of all levels of interest. View the complete auction and register to bid online on LiveAuctioneers.
Clars Auction’s upcoming sale boasts 1023 lots comprised of furniture, fine art, jewelry and timepieces and Asian art. The auction presents rare Thangka paintings; the item not only reflects on Tibetan culture, but also embodies the beauty and protection of the Gods. Work of Luigi Corbellini has a quality of bringing portraits to life. In contrast to Kyo Satsuma vase, Chinese celadon glazed vessel is known for monochromatic, cool-toned glaze which has a very modern feel to it. With realized price estimation of $1,000 to $2,000, the Chinese landscape glazed vase, is the highest bid of the auction. To go through the huge collection of infinite variety, visit Clars Auction.
The Art Deco period was marked with colors and hope, a joyful style to usher in 20th century optimism. The ceramics and porcelains that emerged from this period are especially representative of its delicate beauty and fineness. Whitley’s offers the upcoming Art, Design and Collectibles auction as a sweeping take on these imaginative and beautiful items.
With a particular emphasis on decorative arts and collectibles, Part I of this auction includes a variety of vases, figurines, and glasswork. These items are sleek and beautiful, a call back to the timeless concept of art for art’s sake. The leading lot is a Pairpoint Puffy table lamp, a colorful and realistic statement piece from the Art Nouveau period. Numerous Royal Doulton figurines are also prominently featured, and are available at every price point. From a contemplative clown regarding her own mask to a striking balloon seller, these figurines depict every corner of their world.
Further highlights include gilded bone china animals from Royal Crown Derby, as well as classic Disney statuettes for fans of the original animations. This auction offers a piece of decorative beauty for all collections with starting bids ranging from $10 to $2,000. View the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.
A Bottega Veneta Crocodile Bag, a Loro Piana Crocodile Tote, a Gucci Crocodile Bag, and a Hermes Cashmere Coat headlines a trove of couture and textiles featured in Luxury Purse and Designer Handbag Sale by Consigned Designs. The auction also includes extraordinary jewelry and collectibles, with some of the highlights being a 18k yellow gold, horse bit Gucci Necklace and a bracelet to match. In addition, the catalog features a diverse selection of couture brands such as Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Chanel and more. This catalog has over 245 lots, and the bids start at $225. For interested bidders, a full preview and registration is available at Bidsquare.
Collecting artworks has been made more interesting and less difficult with the Summer School auction by Philips. The auction will host contemporary masterpieces and editions by popular artists like Derrick Adams, Sarah Crowner, Jonas Wood, and many others. An untitled Gouache on sewn canvas signed “Sarah Crowner 2010” is the item with highest bids. I Dream the Perfect Day in New York City titled 1977 Gelatin silver print by Duane Michals, a 1981 Pastel and graphite on paper by Ed Clark, and From Point to Mass #4, a 1988 Sumi ink on paper by Jack Whitten are among the most attractive lots. Glass House by Nick van Woert and Vanitas (Sgabello) by Nicola Bolla are the most sought after among scupltures. For an elaborate description and display of the collectibles visit Philips.com
A big sale is underway from Cordier Auctions & Appraisals. Almost anything that comes to mind is being offered, to the collectors, at the Discovery Auction. From vehicles to kitchenware, from ceramics to cameras, this auction has a lot to offer. Featured lots include a 2012 Buick Regal Sedan with leather seats and sun roof in excellent condition at $10,000; a 2008 Wildfire 150 Scooter in fiery red for just $400 and even a WWI military jacket. Peculiar items include 19 Nursing Bottles, and 37 Cobalt Apothecary Bottles in electric blue color among a huge collection of vintage bottles. Don’t miss out the antique sofa set that starts at $100. The appeal of the auction is not just the variety but also the reasonable prices. To register and bid, visit Cordier Auctions.
The Summer Fashion and Accessories auction by Hindman, offers names not to be missed. Those names include Christian Dior, Chanel, André Courregés, and others. Featured in the auction is a Christian Dior haute couture dress and shawl worn by Renée Fleming in 2008 for her role as The Countess in Strauss’s Capriccio. This John Galliano for Christian Dior black silk dress drapes securely on the left hip with an embroidery panel of glass beads, gold foil with barely-there beaded shoulder straps. Matching the dress is an Art Deco/Egyptian-themed designer shawl.
Other featured items include a Chanel Boy Bag from 2015-2016, made from bronze patent leather, gold-tone hardware, and a matching leather shoulder strap, dresses, scarves, hats, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and accessories. Starting bids for the auction range from $10-$1,500 with estimates valued at $20 to $4,000. To view more of the catalog, visit Bidsquare today.
