Bonhams & Butterfields announce the October 16, 2011 auction of 20th Century Decorative Arts featuring a large selection of furniture, decorations and lighting by legendary Hollywood decorator and actor, William “Billy” Haines. The Los Angeles auction will feature a unique offering of more than 30 lots originally commissioned from Haines by actress Irene Rich and gifted to her daughter, actress and sculptor Frances Rich.
Designed by Haines in Hollywood high style, the items on offer were intended to evoke a glamorous, entertaining experience for both host and guest. Together, the pieces create an environment of enjoyment through an ingenious use of strategically placed elegant, low furnishings and lighting, which were used to enhance the grandeur of social gatherings. The William Haines items offered during the fall auction will be sold to benefit a registered Canadian charity, with proceeds used to help people in need around the world.
William Haines was born in Virginia in 1900. Destined for entertainment and high style, he arrived in Hollywood in 1922 after winning a talent contest. He appeared in more than twenty films as a leading man to Hollywood’s most famous stars including Joan Crawford, Marion Davies and Constance Bennett.
Haines redefined the way movie stars lived. He defined style. One of the aspects Haines enjoyed most about being a film star was developing friendships with other actors, such as Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard and George Burns. In 1930, he opened an antiques shop while working at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Celebrities such as Joan Crawford were so impressed with his taste in design that they hired him to update their own dark, heavy residences with a lighter, fresher and more sophisticated look.
In 1935, Haines moved his office to Sunset Plaza, located on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The building was classically grand with four Ionic columns and two large curved windows; this prominent office was designed to impress his new clients. The residential feel of his office made clients feel right at home. Haines lighting would become renowned for all the customization and special effects. The Sunset Plaza location would later become the famed Le Dome restaurant, popular with the celebrity clientele that originally visited the Haines offices.
When Haines moved his office to 446 Canon Drive in Beverly Hills in 1949, there was a definite transition and stylistic shift for Haines from Neo-Classicism into modernism.
Highlights by William Haines featured in the October 16th auction will include a modernist polished copper and travertine coffee table (est. $4,000-6,000), an oak and copper sideboard (est. $4,000-6,000), a glazed earthenware geometric lamp (est. $1,000-1,500), a stained oak dining table with copper inlay (est. $3,500-4,500) and a set of four corresponding oak and leather dining chairs (est. $2,500-3,500), among others.
I can only tell you this – I would rather have taste than either love or money” – William Haines
Preview by Appointment: October 13, 2011
Public Preview: October 14-15, 2011
Auction: October 16, 2011, Los Angeles