The Robin Leach Collection Comes to Auction at Clars in the 2019 Fall Auction Season

Oakland, CA –Clars Auction Gallery is proud to announce that the gallery will be presenting the celebrity collection of Robin Leach (1941-2018) in the upcoming October 13^th and November 17^th 2019 auctions. This extraordinary collection is a reflection of his incredible life, desire for the finest and spans a variety of categories.

A reflection of his famous quote “champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” Leach’s collection of fine fines wines and champagnes will be offered including a 1990 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut Millennium Methuselah valued at $10,000-15,000.

Indicative of his gregarious personality is the estate’s cadre of celebrity gifts, including a framed inscription and drawing from Ruby “Tuesday” Mazur, the designer of the Rolling Stones tongue, and an autographed chef’s jacket featuring Thomas Keller and Bobby Flay. There are also early framed and signed photographs by Cher, who was a close friend of Leach’s.

His passion for fine decorative arts and furnishings is evidenced in the selection of bronzes by various artists including Pal Kepenyes and Steve Tobin.

A fine selection of furniture will be offered including Levantine and Moroccan inspired pieces, and other designer pieces including a floor lamp attributed to Frances Elkins. 

Hundreds of lots from the important collection of Robin Leach will be presented throughout the 2019 fall auction season at Clars.

Cristina Campion, Senior Specialist in charge of the Leach collection said, “On behalf of Clars, we are very honored to have been selected to present the personal collection of this extraordinary man and entertainment icon to the global market so they may have the opportunity to own a piece of his magnificent life and lifestyle.”

About Robin Leach

Robin Leach’s fame stems not only from the decade he served as host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but also for his work as a notable journalist. Robin began his career in journalism at the Daily Mail in England. In 1963, Leach relocated to the United States, and continued to write for the Daily News and People Magazine.  

In addition to having a successful editorial career, Leach also focused on television, as he was featured prominently on CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and the Food Network. A bon vivant, Leach helped to introduce the Food Network in 1993. He used his fame to celebrate the Las Vegas food scene, placing the Sin City on the map as a food destination. 

Leach never left his journalism career behind. When Leach relocated to Las Vegas, he continued to write on entertainment for the Las Vegas Sun, as well as Las Vegas Review Journal. A touching item from the estate is a Lifetime achievement award from the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs (an International Association of Gastronomy established in Paris in 1950). The award beautifully honors Leach “for his relentless pursuit of Journalistic Excellence, enthusiastic championship of the Culinary Arts, inspired promotion of Cultural Enlightenment and a Lifetime of Accomplishments. His vision, leadership, elegance and generosity have helped to education generations by paving the way for millions to better understand the world one champagnes wish and caviar dream at a time.”

Leach’s legacy continues to inspire popular culture today, with his name featured in songs by Notorious B.I.G., Britney Spears, Fergie, Ludacris and over 40 additional references in songs.

Robin Leach was a generous individual who shared his wealth with others including charities such as the Cleveland Clinic/Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, James Beard, and UNLV. These are just a few of the charities/causes Robin was so passionate about. In line with his altruistic nature, the proceeds from the auction will benefit charity.

For more information and comments on the upcoming Robin Leach Collection, please contact Cristina Campion, Senior Specialist at (510) 428-0100, ext. 117 or email [email protected]

The first installment of the Robin Leach Collection will be presented in conjunctions with Clars October 13^th, 2019 Fine Art, Decorative Arts, Furnishings, Jewelry and Asian Art and Antiques Auction. The sale will begin promptly at 9:30am. Previews for this sale will be held Friday, October 11^th from 1pm to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:00 am and by appointment the week prior. A complete catalog is available online. For more information, please visit www.clars.com or email: [email protected]

Bidding for Clars’ auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC).