20th-century design, art and books turn back the clock at Billings Dec. 9

LOS ANGELES — Billings brings two concurrent auctions focused on 20th-century art, furniture and decor and a special 100-lot art and design book collection to market on Saturday, December 9. The catalogs for both sales are now open for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

The book sale highlights include what appears to be a mint copy of Ed Ruscha’s 1966 landmark Every Building On The Sunset Strip. The book comes with a plastic wrapper and original presentation box and is estimated at $900-$1,200.

A 1948 Herman Miller catalog is another top lot. Slightly soiled but otherwise appearing complete, The Herman Miller Collection is estimated at $300-$500.

On the furniture side are two fantastic 1970s-era section seating units manufactured in Switzerland by De Sede and designed by Ueli Berger, Elenore Peduzzi Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. The first is a 16-section seating unit and four-arm unit system, while the second is an eight-section sofa variant. The larger is estimated at $9,000-$12,000; the smaller is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Though it was made in 2006, the Spheroid Chair by William Emmerson owes the inspiration for its design to the late 1960s and early 1970s. The chair was made in a limited run of just 12, and thus carries an estimate of $9,000-$12,000.

Ed Ruscha, 'Every Building on the Sunset Strip,' estimated at $900-$1,200 at Billings.

Ed Ruscha, 'Every Building on the Sunset Strip,' estimated at $900-$1,200 at Billings.

Berger, Peduzzi Riva, Ulrich and Vogt 'Non-Stop' sectional sofa, estimated at $9,000-$12,000 at Billings.

Berger, Peduzzi Riva, Ulrich and Vogt 'Non-Stop' sectional sofa, estimated at $9,000-$12,000 at Billings.

Berger, Peduzzi Riva, Ulrich and Vogt 'Non-Stop' sectional sofa, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Billings.

Berger, Peduzzi Riva, Ulrich and Vogt 'Non-Stop' sectional sofa, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Billings.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Bespoke green leather Eames lounge chair and ottoman tops Wright’s American Design sale

[av_heading heading=’Bespoke green leather Eames lounge chair and ottoman tops Wright’s American Design sale’ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llkuj88z’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Roland Arkell |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llkug6d2′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-kf8nm0g’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-ga16u9c’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llkufxze’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
CHICAGO – Three versions of the classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller (model numbers 670 and 671) were offered during the August 15 American Design sale at Wright. However, it was the circa-1965 example with special-order upholstery that set the standard, achieving $11,135.

The chair that Charles and Ray Eames originally designed in 1956 as a gift to director Billy Wilder was put into general production by Herman Miller shortly afterwards with a retail price of the $310.

Labels and materials are the best place to start when it comes to dating Eames chairs. The earlier examples have veneers of Brazilian rosewood (an exotic wood that was designated as an endangered species in the early 1990s) and the circular disc label used by Hermann Miller from 1956 to the 1970s. As to color, it is typically a matter of taste. While for most collectors it is case of “any color as long as it’s black,” the best-selling example here was in a bespoke green leather.

The top two lots in the sale were part of a cache of 16 lots by Edward Wormley (1907-95). The pieces in this sale had a nice provenance as they were acquired by the original owner directly from Dunbar Furniture Co. and came by descent. Most are classic mid-century forms that are pictured in The Dunbar Book of Modern Furniture, the design catalog issued by the Indiana manufacturers in 1953.

Showcasing Wormley’s minimalist, practical style were two pairs of the walnut and mahogany Model 5264 shelf bookcase that dates to circa 1949. These were estimated at $5,000-$7,000 and $3,000-$5,000 and hammered for $14,000 ($18,340) and $13,000 ($17,030), respectively.
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW COMPLETE SALE RESULTS’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/297877_american-design/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llkup247′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-aaep92o’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llkuvvdp’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177906′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/158704468_eames-special-order-670-lounge-chair-and-ottoman’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llkuvtgk’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
A circa-1965 Eames 670 lounge chair and ottoman with special-order green leather upholstery was estimated at $3,000-$5,000 and sold for $11,135 at Wright.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177905′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/158704442_eames-670-lounge-chair-and-671-ottoman’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llkv0qkh’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
A second duo of a circa-1965 Eames 670 lounge chair with a 671 ottoman had an estimate of $3,000-$5,000 and realized $9,825 at Wright.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177907′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/158704456_eames-670-lounge-chair-and-671-ottoman’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llkv2klr’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
A third Eames 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman from circa 1990, estimated at $2,000-$3,000, earned $4,978 at Wright.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177908′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/158704646_edward-wormley-bookcases-model-5264-pair’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llkv535q’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co pair of walnut Model 5264 shelf bookcases sold for $18,340 at Wright, Chicago.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177909′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/158704516_alcoa-vase-and-display-collection’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llkv7wfb’ sc_version=’1.0′]
A collection of Alcoa vases in anodized aluminum, created for the company’s Design Forecast Project for 1959, was estimated at $300-$500 but brought $4,620 at Wright, Chicago.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-8vgy5v4′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Herman Miller re-releases 1970s Alexander Girard graphics as posters

Herman Miller is reintroducing eight of mid-century designer Alexander Girard's Environmental Enrichment Panel graphics from the 1970s as posters suitable for home interiors. Image courtesy of Herman Miller
Herman Miller is reintroducing eight of mid-century designer Alexander Girard’s Environmental Enrichment Panel graphics from the 1970s as posters suitable for home interiors. Image courtesy of Herman Miller

ZEELAND, Mich. – It would be impossible to discuss mid-century design without Alexander Girard (American, 1907-1993). From upholstery to wallpaper, and restaurant interiors to branding for an international airline, Girard’s catalog raisonne was profoundly diverse, and his personal aesthetic — joyful, optimistic, brimming with unusual combinations of color — became indistinguishable from Herman Miller’s when Girard became the founding director of the company’s textile division in 1952. During his 20-plus year tenure, Girard introduced more than 300 textiles, thoughtful objects and furniture, including the genre-defining Environmental Enrichment Panels included in Herman Miller’s Action Office series. To celebrate Girard’s continued legacy and significance to the design community, Herman Miller is reintroducing a series of Girard’s Environmental Enrichment Panel graphics as posters — a format ideal for placement in the modern home.

Continue reading

Distinguished array of Picasso ceramics to star at Freeman’s, March 8

Pablo Picasso, ‘Tete de Chevre en Profil,’ estimated at $10,000-$15,000. Image courtesy of Freeman’s
Pablo Picasso, ‘Tete de Chevre en Profil,’ estimated at $10,000-$15,000. Image courtesy of Freeman’s
Pablo Picasso, ‘Tete de Chevre en Profil,’ estimated at $10,000-$15,000. Image courtesy of Freeman’s

PHILADELPHIA — Freeman’s Art and Design auction, scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, features a distinguished selection of works by Pablo Picasso, including more than a dozen plates, pitchers and sculptures in clay. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Everard presents art, antiques & jewelry from premier Southern estates, Feb. 28-Mar. 1

Closeup view of one of the lithographs in Alphonse Mucha’s (1860-1939) ‘The Seasons,’ 1896. Everard will auction the complete suite of four color lithographs with a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Everard’s February 28 and March 1 Winter Southern Estates Auction features a luxe array of fine and decorative arts, with many exceptional pieces coming from long-held, high-quality collections. The variety is endless, spanning the traditional fine and decorative art realm from both a Western and Asian point of view. In addition, there are dozens of specialty categories, such as 19th-century lay-down scent bottles, folk art canes, Venetian glass, holy water fonts, Russian lacquer boxes, Royal Vienna porcelain, Sumidagawa pottery, portrait miniatures, antique maps and scientific instruments. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Stephenson’s to auction Philadelphia estate art, jewelry and furniture, Oct. 14

Abner K. Zook (Lancaster, Pa; 1921-2003), three-dimensional carved painting depicting an Amish barn-raising. Size: 49¾ in x 25¼ in (sight), framed size 57in x 33¾in. Accompanied by lengthy personal letter sent by Zook in 1967 to the person commissioning the painting, explaining aspects of the scene in minute detail. Estimate $10,000-$15,000

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – The Philadelphia area’s estate specialists, Stephenson’s Auctions in Bucks County, will conduct a Friday, October 14 sale featuring fine and folk art, platinum and diamond jewelry, and an extensive array of mostly mid-20th-century furniture and decorative accessories, including porcelain and glass. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

John Moran’s ReDesigned auction achieved ‘stellar’ results

 

1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr. electric guitar, $8,750
1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr. electric guitar, $8,750

LOS ANGELES — Design was in mind at John Moran Auctioneers‘ ReDesigned auction, which took place on July 19. The sale, which contained more than 200 lots, featured modern and contemporary furniture, fine and decorative art, a collection of vintage copper weathervanes, and a variety of lighting in the form of chandeliers, lamps and more than 20 units of Christian Liaigre wall sconces.

Continue reading

Midcentury furniture called the shots at Nadeau’s Feb. 5 sale

Herman Miller rosewood Eames chair and ottoman, $5,312
Herman Miller rosewood Eames chair and ottoman, $5,312

WINDSOR, Conn. – The Mid Century, Modern Art & Contemporary Sale held at Nadeau’s Auction Gallery on February 5 had a 95% sell through rate, with impressive results across all categories.

Continue reading

Fresh-to-market Grandma Moses painting is centerpiece of Everard June 8-9 auction

Grandma Moses (nee Anna Mary Robertson, American, 1860-1961), ‘Deep Snow,’ 1957, oil on Masonite, 22¾ x 30 5/8in (framed), artist-signed lower left. Titled and dated on original artist’s label on verso. Direct line of provenance back to the artist. Copyright Grandma Moses Properties Co., New York. Estimate $60,000-$80,000

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Those who have always yearned to own an original Grandma Moses oil painting will have the rare opportunity to make that happen when Everard Auctions presents the revered New England artist’s Deep Snow as the headliner of its June 8-9 online auction. Fresh to the market after more than 40 years of private ownership, the prized artwork’s provenance goes back directly to Grandma Moses herself.

Continue reading