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The Collection of Evelyn G. Haynes
(Lots 193-207)
Christie's is delighted to offer the following selection of fine Georgian furniture from the collection of Evelyn G. Haynes. Further property from this collection - including paintings, furniture and ceramics - is scheduled to be sold in our October 2 'House sale'.
Evelyn G. Haynes (1908-2001) was a fascinating and accomplished woman with interests varied and creative. Fashion and architectural history figured prominently in her life. She was born in 1908 in New York City to an English father, William Green. She attended Quaker school as a young girl. Following Smith College, Evelyn Green was accepted at the Murray-Anderson School, considered the best theatrical school in the country during the 1920s. Martha Graham was her dance instructor and Bette Davis was her classmate who competed with her for the lead role in the graduation play 'Sister Beatrice'. Evelyn Green was chosen for the lead against this now legendary actress. Thereafter she received a number of theatrical offers, but her English-born father insisted she decline them with the admonition that 'ladies do not go on the stage'.
She then worked at Vogue Magazine in its golden years under Conde Nast from 1930s to the mid-1950s earning fame as their Beauty Editor and creating memorable beauty pages with photographers Erwin Blumenfeld and Irving Penn, among others. She also worked closely with other colorful legends: Helena Rubenstein, Elizabeth Arden and Charles Revson, who sought her advise on their new products and promotions.
After retiring from Vogue at the time of her marriage to Justin O'Brien Haynes, she pursued the study of what had always been her interest - architectural history. Mrs. Haynes, a born New Yorker, had watched the slow death of many outstanding architectural relics of the city, and was determined to save as many of the City's oldest buildings as possible. In 1965, she was appointed one of the first Commissioners of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and devoted her efforts to saving many of New York City's architectural treasures including Grand Central Terminal, St. Bartholomew's Community House, The Henry Villard Houses, and buildings in the Grace Church Complex. She served on the Board of the Municipal Art Society for many years, on the Restoration Committee of the South Street Seaport and on the Board of the Morris Jumel Mansion of which she was also President. She felt that cities that lost their historic buildings lost their souls.
With her English heritage and her keen interest in architecture it comes as no surprise that Evelyn Haynes developed a love for elegant Georgian interiors. In her lovely Park Avenue apartment she surrounded herself with fine examples of late Georgian furniture, and decorations, landscape paintings and English portraiture, buying from top dealers primarily in the 1960s. She even recreated rooms, including a magnificent dining room ceiling inspired by the designs of the renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam. The outstanding chimneypiece in the living room (lot 200) was designed by Adam himself and was almost certainly supplied for Bowood House in Wiltshire, one of his more celebrated commissions.
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF EVELYN G. HAYNES
(LOTS 193-207)
A PAIR OF GEORGE III TULIPWOOD-BANDED SATINWOOD CUTLERY BOXES
CIRCA 1770
Details
A PAIR OF GEORGE III TULIPWOOD-BANDED SATINWOOD CUTLERY BOXES
Circa 1770
Each serpentine-shaped sloping top each inlaid with a conch shell within a fitted interior, cross and checquerbanded edge
14½in. (37cm.) high, 9in. (23cm.) wide (2)
Circa 1770
Each serpentine-shaped sloping top each inlaid with a conch shell within a fitted interior, cross and checquerbanded edge
14½in. (37cm.) high, 9in. (23cm.) wide (2)
Provenance
Purchased from Ayer & Co. Antiques, Ltd., London, August 1966.