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Lot Essay
Jack and Annette Friedland lived an exceptional life. Their tastes in art, architecture and design lead to an important collection as rigorous as the individuals who assembled it. Two private homes of extraordinary pedigree were commissioned by the Friedlands, contributing to the post-war narrative of Modern Architecture in the United States. Their first commissioned residence was designed by the Austrian-born, California architect Richard Neutra on seven acres in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Neutra deployed his many, seasoned talents when creating this 8,000-square foot home, an ultimate and largely unpublished work of International Modernism. The space is both intimate and expansive, utilizing a linear modernist construction that frames the view into the surrounding landscape. The front of the home is dominated by a circular drive with an overhanging car port that is supported by one column that emerges from a reflecting pool. This façade displays Neutra’s signature vertically stacked sandstone, creating a solid framing device for the glass entry hall. Upon entering the home, the soaring space is dominated by a sculptural spiral staircase detailed with polished steel balusters. The space immediately opens into a slightly sunken living space, with views of the surrounding landscape visible beyond the well-appointed living room displaying works of 1930s design by Pierre Chareau, Robert Mallet-Stevens and Paul Dupré-Lafon.
In Jupiter, Florida, a second home was developed in 1994 by Franklin D. Israel, a talented California architect whose accentuated architecture of faceted concrete, glass and bolted steel is given an earthy palette. The Friedland’s winter house also framed views of nature which overlooked the intercoastal waterway and an unspoiled preserve of pristine Florida coastline. The home was a showcase and a gathering space, displaying Annette Friedland’s deep appreciation of innovative fabrics, post-war and contemporary photography, and French 1950s design. The centerpiece of Annette’s living room was a unique white glazed ceramic coffee table by Georges Jouve. Slightly asymmetrical, the work is a masterpiece with a dynamic energy akin to Brancusi. Annette used the table alongside a black pair of Jouve’s interlocking tables and a superb pair of Visiteur lounge chairs by Jean Prouvé. Annette was early to the market for French 1950s design and often had first choice from the major dealers in Paris for this material. What is extraordinary is that she did not limit herself to one decade of collecting, adding sculptural lamps from the early 1990s by Wendell Castle and Yonel Lebovici.
Annette Friedland utilized the skills of Serge Robin as the interior decorator for both of her residences, and it is rare to identify a collector who had such a sophisticated eye for forms of aesthetic pursuits including architecture, design, art and decoration. Annette was willing to take chances with each work she pursued, buying ahead of the market or giving artistic freedom to artists she commissioned. Serge Robin incorporated a wide array of rare fabrics that illustrated Annette’s great love of the medium. Annette was a pivotal force for the Friends of the Fabric Workshop in Philadelphia, a philanthropic organization that supported innovation and experimentation in textile art. Annette applied this deep interest and admiration for textiles throughout both houses, and her collaboration with Mr. Robin produced interiors that had an air of sophistication and rarified finishes. Beyond collecting, Annette hosted legendary parties with the complexity of orchestrated performances which celebrated not only the arists and their trades but also the larger Philadelphia community.
Christie’s is honored to present this collection of important Design from Annette Friedland. With a unique vision encompassing every aspect of a Modern life, from custom homes and rare furniture to world class art and bespoke textiles, Annette Friedland’s collection is one of the best tributes to the pioneering modernists of design and architecture.
In Jupiter, Florida, a second home was developed in 1994 by Franklin D. Israel, a talented California architect whose accentuated architecture of faceted concrete, glass and bolted steel is given an earthy palette. The Friedland’s winter house also framed views of nature which overlooked the intercoastal waterway and an unspoiled preserve of pristine Florida coastline. The home was a showcase and a gathering space, displaying Annette Friedland’s deep appreciation of innovative fabrics, post-war and contemporary photography, and French 1950s design. The centerpiece of Annette’s living room was a unique white glazed ceramic coffee table by Georges Jouve. Slightly asymmetrical, the work is a masterpiece with a dynamic energy akin to Brancusi. Annette used the table alongside a black pair of Jouve’s interlocking tables and a superb pair of Visiteur lounge chairs by Jean Prouvé. Annette was early to the market for French 1950s design and often had first choice from the major dealers in Paris for this material. What is extraordinary is that she did not limit herself to one decade of collecting, adding sculptural lamps from the early 1990s by Wendell Castle and Yonel Lebovici.
Annette Friedland utilized the skills of Serge Robin as the interior decorator for both of her residences, and it is rare to identify a collector who had such a sophisticated eye for forms of aesthetic pursuits including architecture, design, art and decoration. Annette was willing to take chances with each work she pursued, buying ahead of the market or giving artistic freedom to artists she commissioned. Serge Robin incorporated a wide array of rare fabrics that illustrated Annette’s great love of the medium. Annette was a pivotal force for the Friends of the Fabric Workshop in Philadelphia, a philanthropic organization that supported innovation and experimentation in textile art. Annette applied this deep interest and admiration for textiles throughout both houses, and her collaboration with Mr. Robin produced interiors that had an air of sophistication and rarified finishes. Beyond collecting, Annette hosted legendary parties with the complexity of orchestrated performances which celebrated not only the arists and their trades but also the larger Philadelphia community.
Christie’s is honored to present this collection of important Design from Annette Friedland. With a unique vision encompassing every aspect of a Modern life, from custom homes and rare furniture to world class art and bespoke textiles, Annette Friedland’s collection is one of the best tributes to the pioneering modernists of design and architecture.