Sollo:Rago Modern’s Oct. 21-22 sale features astounding collections of studio furniture and art

Sept. 27, 2006

LAMBERTVILLE , N.J. – On October 21 and 22, join John Sollo, David Rago and Meredith Hilferty for Sollo Rago Modern Auction’s annual October sale - three sessions of decorative art, fine art and furnishings - each with its own focus and rich content. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide real-time Internet bidding throughout the sale.

The auction includes 550 lots of the finest property available; definitive modern design selected from consignors worldwide. Attention will focus on what is the most extraordinary selection of studio furniture to appear at any auction. The Wharton Esherick property, in particular, is unsurpassed - from a tri-part carved screen of museum quality to the dining table built by Esherick as a labor of love for Hannah Weil Fisher, his self-proclaimed soul mate.

“This is the best offering of Wharton Esherick that I have ever seen,” said John Sollo, “It’s unheard of to have the number of pieces we do. That they have such quality, variety and historical importance is just amazing. Esherick was our greatest craftsman, not a prolific one. Even the curators at the Wharton Esherick Museum are astounded by these treasures.”

The quality of studio design extends to its other masters, including George Nakashima, Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell, whose spectacular and rare wall cabinet graces the catalogue’s cover. Other Session One highlights include e xemplary work from Harry Balmer and James Mont; top-notch Laverne; a rare post-modern Wendell Castle dresser and his tour de force desk clock from the famous series of 13; the work of Ed Zucca and Albert Paley; an array of modern lighting; first-rate ceramics by Ruth Duckworth and Gertrud and Otto Natzler, glass by Dale Chihuly and Venini; and Sollo:Rago’s usual excellent selection of Italian and Scandinavian design.

Modern and Contemporary Art is the focus of session two, featuring paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints and photographs worthy of both serious collections and remarkable interiors. Harry Bertoia is well represented by a range of works at several price points, from his monoprints to the monumental sculpture, Spray; from a 53” Willow to tabletop works and the sound sculptures he called “ sonambients.” Among the most notable works to be sold are two by Richard Pettibone, Roy Lichtenstein Tex 1962 and Four Maos, as will a rare Ernest Trova Falling Man in black Carrera marble. Also on sale are works by Joseph Stella; LA II; Keith Haring; Kenny Scharf; Weegee; Jeff Koons; Robert Natkin; Roy Lichtenstein; Claes Oldenburg; Alberto Burri; and Allan McCollum – an appealing and alluring representation of Modern and Contemporary Art.   

In the Sunday session there are no reserves; everything will sell. Hundreds of high-design lots by Knoll, Nelson, Prouve, Eames, Evans, Jacobsen, Dunbar, Nakashima and Powell will leave the auction block – without exception - for the best price offered. All lighting, art, ceramics, furniture, textiles will go, as will every piece of studio furniture. 

View all lots and bid absentee or live online through www.liveauctioneers.com.

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