Skinner Hosts Auction of 20th Century Design in Boston on December 17th
Boston, Mass – December 8, 2011 – Skinner, Inc., New England’s only full service auction house, will host an auction of 20th Century Design on December 17th at 10:00 a.m. in its Boston gallery.
The extensive sale spans the 20th century and offers great material from each decade, ranging from rare furniture, pottery and glasswork, to unique car hood ornaments.
Just in time for the holidays or redecorating any time of year, this sale has something for all discerning collectors and design aficionados.
Modern Furniture
A highlight of the sale is lot 100: a rare, early-modern, carved, drop-front desk with a swivel base by Charles Rohlfs, made at the beginning of the Arts & Crafts movement in America. The desk is estimated to sell between $40,000 and $60,000, and is a part of the “Graceful Writing Set,” which became Rohlfs’ best known work. Also offered is lot 523, a walnut Wendell Castle table. Estimated between $15,000 and $20,000, this table is a beautiful example of Castle’s work.
Art Glass and Lighting
Glass collections from French, English, and American studios make a splash, including lot 412, a Rene Lalique acanthes French glass vase, estimated between $18,000 and $22,000; lot 262, an English cameo glass jug by Thomas Webb and Sons, estimated between $3,000 and $5,000; and lot 201, a Tiffany favrile floriform vase, estimated between $800 and $1,200.
Buyers looking for that unique gift will find a number of beautiful lighting examples, including lot 235, a Tiffany Studios dragonfly table lamp, estimated between $35,000 to $45,000; lot 192, a Tiffany Studios acorn hanging lamp, estimated between $12,000 and $15,000; lot 67, a Handel reverse-painted table lamp, estimated between $3,000 - $5,000.
Lot 241 is a Bigelow & Kennard illuminated fire screen featuring a mosaic glass design of roses set in a wrought iron framework. Made circa 1909, this fire screen is a unique and beautiful example of Boston craftsmanship during the Arts & Crafts movement. It is estimated between $6,500 and $7,500.
Decorative Arts and Dedham Pottery
The 20th Century Design sale offers a wide section of unique pieces to update or add to a home, including lot 493, a mid-century modern bronze wall plaque made in New York City by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, estimated between $5,500 and $7,500; and lot 499, a studio pottery vase by the much admired Edwin and Mary Scheier, estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
Also of note are selections from the Dedham pottery collection of famed actress and director, Penny Marshall. The whimsical blue and white pottery is typically known for borders decorated with the iconic Dedham bunny. In this case, the bunny has been replaced with less commonly seen motifs that include elephants, turtles, chicks, and even a Scottie dog. This Scottie dog plate, lot 33, is estimated between $250 and $350.
Finally, for the collector who has everything, lot 430 is a 1929 Lorraine Dietrich Brau greyhound car hood ornament. Its sleek design represents the epitome of the Art Deco period, and the piece is estimated between $800 and $1,200.
Previews
Previews will be held on December 15, 2011 from 12p.m. to 5p.m., December 16, 2011 from 12p.m. to 7p.m., and December 17, 2011 from 8a.m. to 9a.m.
Catalogues and Bidding
Illustrated catalogue #2577B is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at (508)970-3240 or at the gallery for $32. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. Users may also view all lots in the auction, leave bids, order catalogues, and bid in real time through SkinnerLive!
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc is one of the world’s leading auction houses. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world. Skinner auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Providing a broad range of auction and appraisal services, Skinner is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner appraisal experts are frequently featured on the PBS-TV series Antiques Roadshow. Specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Paintings & Prints, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit www.skinnerinc.com.
Contacts
- Jane Prentiss, Director of 20th Century Design, 508-970-3253, jprentiss@skinnerinc.com
- Kate de Bethune, Director of Marketing, 508-970-3231, kdebethune@skinnerinc.com