A PAIR OF GILTWOOD LION'S HEAD-FORM ORNAMENTS,

This lot has no reserve.

Property from the Estate of Louise W. Bowen (Lots 1-90) Christie's is proud to be offering for sale the contents of the late Louis W. Bowen's Park Avenue apartment, an apartment which itself embodied the sense of fun, fantasy, style and discovery that was Louis Bowen. Mr. Bowen's talent for design and color was initially spotted by interior designer Dorothy Hammerstein, he worked for her on both the East and West coasts and became her partner when she reopened her New York office in 1939. The War was to interrupt and Louis found himself in the South Pacific with the United States Navy. Trained as a medical assistant he was soon running a ward in Samoa and was always glad to mention that it was his ward, decorated as would be expected with fresh flowers from the jungle, that was chosen to be shown to the visiting Eleanor Roosevelt. Following his eventual discharge from the services Louis Bowen returned to New York City and began focusing upon Louis W. Bowen, Inc. and the manufacture of specialty wall coverings. Often inspired by childhood memories, his first being a ride through the San Fernando Valley, which he recalled as being 'field after field of wild poppies of every color'. Later in life the East played a significant role, visiting his studio in Hong Kong and often exploring the Orient, returning with an abundance of visual knowledge which would often be translated into a design or influence the decoration of his or a client's interior. Mr. Bowen's own apartment reflected this taste, as it was eclectically filled with Asian artifacts and Iznik pottery (which will be offered in London in October 2002). The wonderful selection of largely French furniture was combined with Italian Renaissance bronzes and small South East Asian artifacts, contrasting with vibrant Post War European paintings along with numerous models of his beloved turtles. Of course, all of the objects worked beautifully with Mr. Bowen's own renowned wall coverings.

A PAIR OF GILTWOOD LION'S HEAD-FORM ORNAMENTS,

LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY, ONE STAMPED 10 ON THE UNDERSIDE, THE OTHER STAMPED 16 ON THE UNDERSIDE

Details

A PAIR OF GILTWOOD LION'S HEAD-FORM ORNAMENTS,
late 19th/early 20th century, one stamped 10 on the underside, the other stamped 16 on the underside
10½in.(27cm.) high (2)

Special notice

This lot has no reserve.

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