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Property from Iconic Pacific Heights Gay Bar Headlines Michaan's April Estate Sale
Property from Iconic Pacific Heights Gay Bar Headlines Michaan's April Estate Sale
Many highlights of Michaan's April 8 Estate Auction come from the fascinating estate of Kelly Ellis and his iconic Lion Pub
Alameda,
California,
United States
(prbd.net)
24/03/2017
Many highlights of Michaan's April 8 Estate Auction come from the fascinating estate of Kelly Ellis and his iconic Lion Pub. The pub underwent changes in tone and clientele over its 48 years at the corner of Divisadero and Sacramento, but may be best remembered as San Francisco's quintessential gay fern bar. It will also be remembered for the pair of lion statues, big enough for bar patrons to sit astride, that gave the eclectic pub its name. The lions are among the many lots of Mr. Ellis's memorabilia, decorative art, paintings, and furnishings to be sold at Michaan's in April. The Lion Pub's notorious 1970s advertising poster is highly collectable, and multiple copies will be offered in this auction. The poster's lush image of a lion lying down with a man is the work of Richard Roesener (1947-1985), an erotic artist and accomplished scientific illustrator once employed by the Chicago Museum of Natural History. Roesener used the pseudonym Dale Hall on his drawing for the Lion Pub. The poster is especially coveted by collectors because its sensual depiction of man and beast was thought too racy for public display at the time, and a tamer version is said to have been more widely printed and circulated.
More Lion Pub and Kelly Ellis estate treasures in the sale include gilt mirrors, leaded glass windows, Asian style furnishings -- including a sprawling carved wood opium bed (estimated at $600-$800) -- and contemporary quality furniture by McGuire and Herman Miller. A rootwood bar with three stools, heavily gnarled and exuding earthy retro appeal, is estimated at $500-$700. Architectural elements include newel posts carved with faces and pineapples ($400-$600, the lot of four) and a pair of massive wood door panels ($600-$800) painted Chinese red and decorated with stylized cloud motifs carved in high relief. A Japanese display tansu ($600 to $800), a huge coromandel folding screen ($700-$900) and a bronze Chinoiserie coffee table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne ($2,000-$4,000) are top highlights.
Artworks include 20th Century American landscape paintings such as the lovely post-Impressionist style oil, "Hudson River" ($1,000-$1,500) by Jacques Zucker (1900-1981). Collectors will pounce on a trio of fashion drawings by legendary Hollywood costumer William Travilla, who created the plunging white halter dress worn by Marilyn Monroe atop the subway grate in "The Seven Year Itch." Michaan's lot of Travilla drawings ($600-$800) depicts Jaclyn Smith in the 1981 TV biopic, "Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy." These and many more lots from the estate of Kelly Ellis and his Lion Pub will be offered on April 8 to bidders seeking unique auction finds and hoping to collect and preserve a piece of San Francisco history.
Memories of another notable San Franciscan, the late philanthropist and designer Jeanne Taylor, will bring flair to the April auction with a generous cache of Ms. Taylor's fine evening gowns, suits, separates and coats by Chanel, Valentino, YSL and many more including Badgley Mischka, Donna Karan, Louis Feraud and Richard Tyler. Jeanne Taylor was a Missouri beauty led to California by a career in TV and films, followed by 35 years at the helm of Lilli Ann, the venerable San Francisco fashion house. She is remembered by many for her leading role as a Grace Cathedral fundraiser and Trustee. Grouped into more than twenty lots of multiple pieces, the posh wardrobe offered in this auction reflects Jeanne Taylor's perch in San Francisco society as well as her lifestyle while head of Lilli Ann, the luxury fashion label. The many Lilli Ann designs in the sale are bound to create excitement in the vintage fashion community, where collectors have long favored the label for its impeccable tailoring and elegant fabrics. Photos and more information about the Jeanne Taylor fashion lots will be available at www.michaans.com in late March.
As in every monthly Estate Auction at Michaan's, fine jewelry will be highlighted on April 8. Antique finds include the trio of Victorian brooches ($500-$700); the 14k gold has a soft patina of age and the garnets and seed pearls are typical of their romantic period. Collectors will be delighted by the superb blackamoor brooch crafted of 18k gold with gemstones and pearls ($800-$1,200). The suite of bib necklace and earrings with cabochon star sapphires and rubies set in gold, in the style of Bulgari, is estimated at $2,500-$3,500. The big, beautiful diamond ring ($5,500-$7,500) and the Art Deco bracelet ($20,000-$30,000) feature scores of stunning fine diamonds set in platinum. For more details click here.
About Michaan's Auctions
Michaan's Auctions is a leading, full service auction house on the West Coast specializing in the appraisal and sale of antiques and fine art. Some of Michaan's specialty departments include Asian Works of Art, Furniture and Decorative Arts, Modern & Contemporary European and American Paintings/Prints and Jewelry.
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