Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., dedicated themselves to the arts, both in their private collecting and in their hometown community of Palm Beach. They remain widely recognized as deeply committed members of their community, as ardent lovers of the arts and as dedicated benefactors of culture. Beyond their own collection, which includes pieces from multiple artistic movements and collecting categories, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery maintained a passionate commitment to the thriving cultural scene of Palm Beach. They fostered an appreciation for theater and music as well as the visual arts, and the couple sought to support the local institutions that enabled wide access to these cultural tenants. An aficionado of the opera, Mr. Montgomery was Chairman of the Board of his cherished Palm Beach Opera for 25 years, and, throughout that time, he and Mrs. Montgomery generously contributed to its programming. Mr. Montgomery was also a principal benefactor of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, an institution widely regarded as having changed the cultural landscape of Palm Beach. Alongside their support of the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, the Montgomerys founded the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art.

The couple created an enduring legacy, “a museum in [their] house,” curating a strong collection of fine and decorative arts, objects and jewellery. Christie’s is proud to offer their collection in a range of live and online sales during the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. Highlights will include the Montgomerys’ extensive Tiffany collection that features their Orange Treeceiling fixture; Mrs. Montgomery’s favourite Pebble table lamp, constructed from pebbles that Louis Tiffany discovered on the shores of Long Island; and the iconic Wisteria and Laburnum lamps that showcase the full grandeur of Tiffany’s artistry in glass. Beyond lighting, the Collection includes a 13.63 carat rectangular-cut diamond ring, a Cartier ruby and diamond fringe necklace, extraordinary silver and strong examples of 20th century fine art.


Upcoming Auctions featuring property from the collection


Viewing by appointment only. We remain at your disposal via email, or telephone, for appointment to view the selection privately.



Auction highlights

  • Tiffany Studios

    'Wisteria' Table Lamp, circa 1905
    with a 'Tree' base
    leaded glass, patinated bronze
    25 ⅝ in. (65 cm) high; 18 ½ in. (46.9 cm) diameter of shade
    Estimate
    $500,000-700,000
    Related sale
    Important Highlights from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., New York, 11 December 2020

  • Tiffany Studios

    ‘Pebble’ table lamp, c. 1904
    favrile glass, leaded glass, quartz, patinated bronze
    22 ½ in. (57.2 cm) high; 16 ¼ in. (41.3 cm) diameter of shade
    Estimate
    $100,000-150,000
    Related sale
    Important Highlights from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., New York, 11 December 2020

  • Tiffany Studios

    ‘Laburnum’ Table Lamp, circa 1915
    with a ‘Twisted Vine’ base
    leaded glass, gilt-bronze
    29 ¾ in. (75.6 cm) high; 21 ¼ in. (54 cm) diameter of shade
    Estimate
    $200,000-300,000
    Related sale
    Important Highlights from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., New York, 11 December 2020

  • Cartier

    Ruby and diamond necklace
    Oval and cushion mixed-cut rubies, circular, baguette, square and marquise-cut diamonds, platinum and gold, c. 1950
    Estimate
    $150,000-250,000
    Related sale
    Magnificent Jewels, New York, 8 December 2020

  • Marina B

    Suite of coloured sapphire and diamond ‘Fuji Yama’ jewellery
    Circular-cut pink sapphires and diamonds, black enamel, 18k gold and blackened gold
    Estimate
    $20,000-30,000
    Related sale
    Magnificent Jewels, New York, 8 December 2020

  • Diamond ring

    Rectangular-cut diamond of 13.63 carats, shield-shaped diamonds, platinum, ring size 4
    GIA, 2020, report no. 13355575: 13.63 carats, H color, VVS1 clarity
    Estimates
    13.63 carat diamond ring: $200,000-300,000
    7.04 carat diamond ring: $100,000-150,000
    Related sale
    Magnificent Jewels, New York, 8 December 2020

  • 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle: an American silver and glass claret jug

    Mark of Gorham MFG. Co., Providence, Rhode Island, 1900, Martelé
    Estimate
    $10,000-15,000
    Related sale
    Important American Silver and Folk Art, New York, January 2021

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Notable results from the Collection

Modern British Art
London, 29 September 2020


With works from a range of Modern British masters, including artists’ such as Bridget Riley, Graham Sutherland, Patrick Caulfield, Henry Moore, Walter Richard Sickert and many more; our Modern British Art sale achieved £1,877,875.

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Post-War & Contemporary Art Day Sale
New York, 7 October 2020


Bearing a dynamite selection of both post-war and contemporary works with examples from established mainstays and fresh new talent. Featuring a strong selection of works from artists like Ruth Aaswa, Philip Guston, Barbara Kruger, Yayoi Kusama, Ed Ruscha and Matthew Wong, the Day Sale’s offering united the artists of the mid-twentieth century with their counterparts today in a seamless, thrilling dialogue, achieving $36,484,250.

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