Ray Frost Fleming estate key component of Heritage auction April 23
Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978) ‘Spray,’ circa 1970, stainless steel base, collar, and rods with brass beads, 61 1/2 high and an overall diameter of 68 inches. Property from the estate of Ray F. Fleming, Birmingham, Mich. Estimate: $50,000-$70,000. Heritage Auctions image.
LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.
“Ray F. Fleming’s impeccable eye for 20th century design brought national distinction to Birmingham’s Robert Kidd Gallery,” said Caroline Ashleigh, Heritage’s Michigan-based consultant on the Fleming Estate. “The selection Heritage is offering represents the best of the best and speaks to the heart of his education at Cranbrook Academy. We think collectors will be delighted to experience the more unique items in this special estate.”
The first selection of important 20th century sculptural design from the estate will be offered April 23 and offers rare works by well-known artists, such as Spray, circa 1970, by Harry Bertoia (estimate: $50,000+). Standing over 5 feet tall with stainless steel rods terminating in melted brass beads, Spray is a remarkable example of the sculptor’s inimitable style. The auction also features Untitled (Tower), 1985, by Julius Schmidt, the critically acclaimed sculptor and fellow Cranbrook graduate (estimate: $5,000+).
Furniture by blue-chip designers such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Charles and Ray Eames will likely attract intense bidding. Van Der Rohe’s leather and chrome-plated steel Barcelona chairs, 1929 (estimate $4,000+); Saarinen’s oval dining table (Model 174), 1956 (estimate $3,000+); and a classic example of Charles & Ray Eames’ landmark lounge chair and ottoman, 1956, (estimate $2,500+), are among the most sought after pieces.
The estate’s fine art works will be offered in Heritage’s Modern & Contemporary Auction, May 31 in Dallas.
For more information on the estate of Ray Frost Fleming, please contact Caroline Ashleigh: CarolineA@HA.com or 800-872-6467, ext. 1934.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978) ‘Spray,’ circa 1970, stainless steel base, collar, and rods with brass beads, 61 1/2 high and an overall diameter of 68 inches. Property from the estate of Ray F. Fleming, Birmingham, Mich. Estimate: $50,000-$70,000. Heritage Auctions image.
Mies Van Der Rohe (German, 1886-1969), pair of Barcelona chairs, 1929, Knoll International ed., circa 1960s. Property from the Estate of Ray F. Fleming, Birmingham, Mich. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Heritage Auctions image.
Charles Eames (American, 1907-1978) and Ray Kaiser Eames (1912-1988), lounge chair and ottoman, 1956, rosewood veneer, plywood, leather, steel, aluminum, 32 x 32 3/4 x 32 3/4 inches – chair; 17 1/4 x 26 x 21 1/2 inches – ottoman. Produced by Herman Miller circa 1970s. Property from the estate of Ray F. Fleming, Birmingham, Mich. Estimate: $2,500 – $3,500.
Julius Schmidt (American, b. 1923), ‘Untitled (Tower),’ 1985, bronze, 122 3/4 inches tall, total of three components, cast signature and date on top and side: ‘Schmidt 1985.’ Property from the estate of Ray F. Fleming, Birmingham, Mich. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Heritage Auctions image.
Minale-Maeda: Mario Minale (Italian/German, b. 1973) and Kuniko Maeda (Japanese, b. 1976). LEGO® buffet, 2010, LEGO® bricks, aluminum frame, 40 7/8 x 77 7/8 x 17 3/4 inches, edition 1/5. Produced for Droog design, Netherlands. Property from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Heritage Auctions image.
Tejo Remy (Dutch, b. 1960), Chest of drawers, 1991, used drawers, maple, jute strap 43 1/4 x 47 1/4 x 23 5/8 inches, signed and numbered on verso of one drawer. Produced by Droog design, Netherlands. Property from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Heritage Auctions image.
Chung-Tang Ho (Taiwanese, b. 1972), Push and store cabinet, 2006, wood and paint, 86 1/2 x 101 x 47 inches, from the edition of 12, produced by Droog design, Netherlands. Property from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Heritage Auctions image.
