Growing up as the son of Mervyn LeRoy who was best known as the producer of The Wizard of Oz, Warner's Hollywood upbringing proved the ideal training ground for the person who came to be thought of as NYC's grandest showman. When he took over Tavern, Warner and his wife Kay, immediately closed the landmark restaurant's doors for an unheard of $10 million, multi-year facelift.
In August of 1976 Tavern on the Green re-opened. Its breathtaking rooms dazzled sophisticated New Yorkers and visitors alike. Sparkling antique crystal chandeliers trickled down from vaulted ceilings while massive art nouveau mirrors reflected the lush park surroundings just outside the greenhouse-like walls. Stained-glass creations of century-old Tiffany glass produced intense rainbows of color matched only by cascading floral arrangements flowing from every corner. Joyful topiary peeked in from the gardens just beyond. The total effect, from that day to this, remains stunning.
But now the LeRoy era is coming to an end. And the fabulous antiques and the extraordinary creations will all be sold. The Baccarat crystal chandeliers and the fabulous stained glass will be sold. Copper weathervanes and stone sculpture will be sold. The outdoor garden furniture and Japanese lanterns, so much a trademark of the Tavern, will be sold. The place settings that were part of so many wonderful dinners will be sold. Even the beautiful canvas murals on the walls will carefully come down and find new owners.
This multi-day auction without minimum reserve will begin on Wednesday, January 13th, and continue through Thursday, the 14th, being held live at Tavern on the Green. An auction day open to the public but geared to the trade will be held at Tavern on the Green on January 15th.
