Bonhams & Butterfield’s SoMa Estate Auctions is pleased to present property from the personal collection of San Francisco-based renowned designer Ms. Jessica McClintock on Sunday, October 18, 2009. More than 50-lots of furniture and decorative accessories – each reflecting the lady’s gracious taste and penchant for romantic flair — will be made available to the public.
Ms. McClintock began her designing career in 1969, when she invested $5,000 in a clothing company called Gunne Sax, based in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Her designs were embraced by the “flower children” of the time and her ‘granny dress’ became an iconic fashion statement. In 1975, a young Hillary Rodham married Bill Clinton in an off-the-rack linen Gunne Sax dress.
Ms McClintock’s success blossomed into a global, multibillion dollar company concentrating on formalwear and special occasion dresses. Her defining style focused on femininity, fantasy and romance — the kind of experiences desired at proms, weddings and other special events. She eventually expanded into other areas such as fragrances, eyewear, china, handbags and jewelry. She also designed furniture, inspired by antiques and vintage pieces from her own home.
The interior design of Ms. McClintock’s three-story Pacific Heights Victorian home is said to be the essence of romantic living. The home is decorated in artistic detail with muted tones and soft colored fabrics, creating a complimentary backdrop to the feminine lines of Louis XVI style furnishings. The overall impact is a statement of grandeur, yet elegant, soothing and ethereal at the same time. Her home has been featured in several major publications including Architectural Digest, Redbook and Home Design.
Highlights to be offered from her collections include: a Louis XVI style 19th century carved wooden console table (est. $3/5,000); a large Rococo style giltwood mirror (est. $1,000-1,500) and a Louis XV style beechwood armoire at the same estimate. Other items include Louis XVI and Rococo style cabinets, tables, a cherry marble top buffet, console tables, beechwood bergeres, armchairs, side tables, an inlaid games table, an Italian bombe small chest, an upholstered daybed and an Edwardian mahogany kneehole desk.
Decorative accessories from her collections include mirrors, clocks, lamps, candelabra, Asian vases and patinated urns.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity to purchase a piece of furniture from such a celebrated San Francisco personality — known worldwide for her exquisite taste and design,” said Christine Skinner, Director of Bonhams & Butterfields’ SoMa Estate Auctions.
The preview and sale are free and open to the public. Previews open Friday, October 16th, continuing daily until the auction at 10 am on Sunday, October 18th. The illustrated auction catalog will be available for review at www.bonhams.com/soma.
The October auction will also feature property from other estates and private consignors, including paintings, prints, sculpture, books and manuscripts, rugs and carpets, and silver.
Bonhams & Butterfields’ SoMa Estate Auctions is the monthly marketplace to buy or sell quality and affordable furnishings and accessories. These exciting sales have long been a resource for interior decorators, dealers, savvy buyers, and for beginning and established collectors in search of unique property to decorate a room or an entire home.
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