Treasures from the personal collection of the late entertainment icon and entrepreneur Merv Griffin will be sold at Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California on Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2009. Clars will hold a Public Preview on Friday, May 1st 1PM to 6PM and Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd beginning at 9am. Authorized by The Merv Griffin Estate, the auction includes antiquities, fine furnishings and contemporary art from Griffin’s personal residences in La Quinta, Carmel Valley and Beverly Hills.
Griffin, who passed away at age 82 on August 12, 2007, was the Founder and Chairman of The Griffin Group of Companies, which encompassed television and film production, a thoroughbred racing stable, real estate and hotel developments, and a variety of additional businesses.
The items included in the sale reflect Griffin’s astute aesthetic sensibilities and his hands-on approach to collecting. Highlights include a pair of Regency marble urns which were prominently displayed at the La Quinta residence; a contemporary art assemblage by noted California artist Charles Arnoldi; and a collection of ancient Roman glass and ceramics. There are also fine antique furnishings, including an Italian Renaissance Revival bench adorned with intertwining serpents and custom-made Rococo-style gilt pieces.
For more information about the Merv Griffin Sale or to inquire about bidding options and catalog sales, contact Clars Auction Gallery, 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609, Telephone 888.338.7600 or email [email protected].
