Bonhams announces ‘A Sale of Two Cities’ on April 2. This auction represents a unique offering of two very distinct California collections from Bel Air and Santa Barbara and features works from the Collection of Perry Perkins and his iconic establishment, Lifestyle Antiques.
Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted marquetry inlaid commode
For decades, the name Perry Perkins and Lifestyle Antiques have been synonymous with old world craftsmanship and artistry in harmony with design. Included among Perkins’s loyal clientele was a virtual who’s who of the Santa Barbara and Southern California design and private collecting communities.
Perkins’s iconic store, Lifestyle Antiques, located in the quaint city of Summerland, CA, has been at the center of ‘Santa Barbara style’ for many years. With special insight into his clients, Perkins has inspired and illuminated many homes while assisting with life transitions.
Throughout his design career, Perkins has been influenced by the work of Addison Cairns Mizner, Bill Gordean, Michael Taylor, Suzanne Tucker and Robert Wolf, among others. He has gleaned much from all of them and become personal friends with many.
As Perkins enters retirement, he has chosen to share his share his Collection with those who have a keen insight into beauty and an appreciation of design. Each item on offer has been personally selected by Perkins to reflect an esoteric perspective and the time-honored tradition of superior design and craftsmanship. Bonhams is honored to offer the Collection of Perry Perkins and Lifestyle Antiques.
Highlights from the Collection of Perry Perkins include an imposing French Belle Epoque carved limestone bench (est. $15,000-20,000); a six foot tall Italian Baroque style parcel gilt and paint decorated tempietto maquette, late 19th century (est. $3,000-5,000); a chic pair of Louis XV style beechwood bergeres, upholstered in cream silk (est. $2,000-3,000); an imposing 10 foot tall pair of Italian Baroque style carved silvered wood solomonic columns, now mounted as lamps (est. $6,000-8,000); a Continental Baroque style gilt metal mounted and paint decorated cabinet on stand featuring colorful, hand painted biblical scenes (est. $5,000-7,000); an Italian carved alabaster floor lamp, early 20th century (est. $5,000-7,000); a pair of carved limestone models of gryphons, mounted as side tables with glass tops, formerly located at Addison Mizner designed, Casa Bienvenida, Montecito, CA (est. $3,000-5,000); a quirky English cocktail shaker in the form of a lighthouse (est. $1,000-1,500) and a strong selection of lighting and commodes as well as an upholstered contemporary sofa designed by Michael Taylor.
This unique Collection is augmented by property from a private Bel Air Collection, which features a discerning selection of European furniture, decorative arts, carpets and garden furnishings. This wonderful offering brings together classic design for inside living as well as the highly sought after California outdoor lifestyle. (Please see separate press release.)
The illustrated auction catalog for this sale is available online for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the sale.
Los Angeles Preview: March 30-April 1
Auction: April 2, Los Angeles