A recent Bonhams auction of hundreds of items belonging to Lauren Bacall gave a fascinating and intimate insight into the life of the late Hollywood actress – and revealed an unexpected penchant for Middle East and Oriental-inspired design. Here are some of the pieces that caught our eye.
1 Filling the coffers
The auction, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, featured everything from contemporary, symbolist, African and American art to Victorian chests of drawers, Italian commodes, Chinese lamps and pewter and brass objects. When it came to furniture, heavy, beautifully embellished pieces dominated, and revealed Bacall’s predilection for 20th-century pieces from Syria. They included this early 20th-century Syrian coffer, inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
• Final sale price: Dh13,418
2 Moore is more
The auction also revealed much about Bacall’s love of art. From late-18th-century Indian miniatures to a signed lithograph by the late American senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, and works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, Bacall accumulated a wide and varied portfolio. But there’s one name that crops up more than any other – that of the English artist and sculptor Henry Moore, whose painting of 13 abstract figures is pictured here. The work is signed by the artist in pencil, with the inscription: “For Lauren Bacall / with warmest wishes / from Henry Moore / Much Hadham / June 7th.”
• Final sale price: Dh67,094
3 A statement piece
This barrel-back armchair was also indicative of the style of furniture favoured by Bacall. Made from pine and seagrass, the 20th-century item was one of the many statement pieces to be found among the Hollywood actress’s belongings. It also highlighted how many of the items in the sale were surprisingly affordable, which was perhaps in keeping with Bacall’s own approach. “One thing with Lauren Bacall, when she collected she didn’t collect because of value or potential value,” noted John King, the vice president of Bonhams New York.
• Final sale price: Dh3,049
4 Arabic inlays
Bacall’s collection of art, furniture and accessories was carefully gathered over her lifetime. As King pointed out: “The wonderful diversity of collecting categories ... may at first glance appear a random assemblage of items, but in fact were deliberately collected by a discerning eye to create a warm and relaxed country environment.” One of the highlights was this circular marble table set on a brass stand. The inlaid brass inscription reads “In the name of Allah”, while the bold centre script reads “Allah”.
• Final sale price: Dh4,574
5 A light touch
Many of Bacall’s furniture pieces were characterised by intricate craftsmanship. This beautifully carved, 145.5-centimetre-tall wooden floor lamp was inspired by the structures of Southern Indian temples.
• Final sale price: Dh4,269
