Past Auction

The Flower Family Collection

Thu, Dec 08, 2022 at 10am EST |

New York

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Comprises Lots 372-437 in Doyle+Design: Session II on December 8

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Successful Auction of the Flower Family Collection on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 10am
A World Auction Record for a Work on Paper by Joan Semmel
Exceptional Prices for Rare Ceramics by the Martin Brothers

NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle held the successful sale of The Flower Family Collection on December 8, 2022 as a special section of Doyle+Design: Session II Read More.

Determined bidders drove exceptional prices for rare ceramic figures by Martin Brothers, an Art Nouveau vase by Amphora Pottery Company, and colorful art glass by Tiffany Furnaces.

Highlighting the fine art offerings was a group of works on paper from the series of self-portraits by Joan Semmel, each of which surpassed the prior record for a work on paper by the artist. Topping the group was a 1978 study for Night Light that realized $28,350 -- A World Auction Record for a Work on Paper by the Artist.

Edward & Marilyn Flower

Some people are born with the “collector’s gene”. Our dad, Edward Flower, began his collecting life by spending all his allowance, every Saturday, on postage stamps, Modern Library Classics and theater tickets. Among his memorabilia is the silver certificate his father found on the steps of the hospital the day he was born, in 1929, on the eve of the Great Depression.

Edward found the perfect life partner in our mother, Marilyn. They met and married in the 1950’s. Together they shared a passion for collecting that became the driving force of their leisure time activities. When we were very young, they collected American paintings, like John Twachtman’s Tulip Trees, an early memory from our childhood home. That collection was sold to make way for American, European and Japanese prints, netsuke, sculpture, rare books, postcards and advertising memorabilia of all kinds. In the 21st century they turned their attention to ceramics, especially Majolica, their last and greatest collection, consisting of more than one thousand individual pieces. As active members of the Majolica Society, they enjoyed the camaraderie of like-minded friends with common interests. They loved introducing fellow Majolica members to Manhattan. Of course, a trip to New York often included an invitation to view their wonderful collection!

Marilyn and Ed were also great patrons of the arts. They loved discovering and encouraging new talent and budding artists as they travelled the world, from Manhattan to Cape Cod, to London, Paris, Europe and beyond. There was always something new to discover, some new avenue of collecting to pursue.

The Flower Family Collection was built up in layers over many decades, with much love and devotion. For us children and grandchildren, their collection is full of happy stories and lasting memories. After mom passed away, our father would enjoy sitting in his living room admiring old favorites and latest acquisitions. He was delighted to contribute extensively to the three volume Majolica Mania publication and to provide 26 outstanding Majolica pieces to the Bard exhibition currently touring the U.K.

It's both a privilege and a pleasure for us to share some of our parents’ treasures with the contemporary art world. Ed and Marilyn loved nothing better than to inspire new patrons of the arts to begin the collector’s journey.

Stephanie and Andrew Flower
11/10/22

We Invite You to Auction!

Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction appraisal. Our specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.

For information, please contact:
Furniture and Design: Todd Sell, 212-427-4141, ext 269 or Design@Doyle.com
Art: Angelo Madrigale, 212-427-4141, ext 249 or Paintings@Doyle.com
Prints: Cynthia Klein, 212-427-4141, ext 246 or Prints@Doyle.com