Julia Reed's death last year touched readers throughout the country, especially those in New Orleans where she had lived for over 30 years. Neal Auction Company is set to offer the journalist and author's estate within its Important Winter Estates Auction taking place February 5-7. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the newly formed Julia Evans Reed Charitable Trust.
"Recognized throughout her career as a keen observer of the political scene, fashion, food, and design, Reed was also celebrated as a great tastemaker, hostess, cook, and arbiter of interior style. Her New York, New Orleans, and Greenville, Mississippi, homes reflected her widely admired taste, integrating objects collected in a lifetime of travel and adventure with traditional antiques and decorations."
Almost 200 objects, each elegant and showcasing her diverse interests, will be available and showcased on the first day of the auction. Among the items are fine art, sculptures, dinnerware, and decorative arts. The auction will be virtual with telephone, absentee, and online bidding, and previews will be "by appointment".
The trust sets out to continue Julia's philanthropic work helping people in need. Their mission states: "We do this by supporting organizations dedicated to providing the things in life that Julia deemed essential: a good home, nourishing food, a quality education, and opportunities for learning, literacy and engagement in the arts."
Below, a preview of Julia's beautiful and distinctive pieces that will be available on Friday, February 5.
005. English School, 1862, “Young Cricket Player,” o/c, 56 x 43 7/8 in. [$2,500/3,500]
050. Ashley Pridmore (American/New York, 20th c.), “Guarding Nefertiti,” w. 8 1/4 in. [$1,200/1,800]
058. Fiona Waterstreet (British, 20th c.), “Bird,” h. 10 1/4 in. [$400/600]
William Dunlap (American/Mississippi, b. 1944), “Father of Waters - History of Mud,” 40 x 82 in. [$12,000/18,000]
037. English Regency Needlework of a Tiger, c. 1820, sight 29 x 32 1/2 in. [$2,000/3,000]
100. Pr. Old Sheffield Plate Candelabra by Matthew Boulton, late 18th/early 19th c., h. 19 3/4 in. [$800/1,200]
078. Pr. Neoclassical Inlaid Olivewood Commodes, early 19th c., w. 49 1.2 in. [$8,000/12,000]
074. Antique Neoclassical Olivewood Pier Table, c. 1820 and later, w. 40 in. [$1,500/2,500]
135. Antique Neoclassical Rosewood, Rosewood-Grained and Gilt Gueridon, 19th c., h. 22 1/4 in. [$300/500]
002. Victorian Taxidermy Songbird Parlor Dome, 19th c., h. 29 in. [$800/1,200]