From the Estate of Winifred Busby Hirsch--Sold for the Benefit of
THE HIRSCH LIBRARY, MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON
SUITE OF DIAMOND AND YELLOW GOLD LION'S HEAD JEWELRY
Details
SUITE OF DIAMOND AND YELLOW GOLD LION'S HEAD JEWELRY
A necklace, designed as a line of yellow gold oval ropework links, enhanced by three sculpted yellow gold lion's head and circular-cut diamond motifs, mounted in 18K white and yellow gold--28½ in. (72.4 cm); and a pair of ear clips en suite
WINIFRED BUSBY HIRSCH
(1907-1990)
Winifred Busby Hirsch became a Texan in the late 1940s, following her marriage to General Maurice Hirsch, a prominent lawyer from an established and civic-minded Houston family. During thirty-six years of marriage, the Hirsches were leaders in the city's cultural community. They became one of Houston's most beloved and philanthropic couples.
As an integral part of Houston society, General and Mrs.Hirsch entertained frequently at their River Oaks home, making it a popular gathering place for arts and international groups. Winifred Hirsch was considered a beautiful and innovative hostess. Her memory for faces and names was legendary and she never failed to charm and amuse her guests.
As avid travelers, the Hirsches circled the globe twenty-seven times, acquiring a unique collection of art, jewelry and objects that reflected their fascination with the beauty and diversity of cultures throughout the world. It is said that, wherever they might be in the world, General Hirsch gave his wife a gift every day of their marriage as a token of his devotion.
In Houston, the Hirsches were perhaps most recognized and respected for their love of the Arts. General Hirsch served as Vice President of the Houston Symphony from 1953-1955, and in 1956 he succeeded Miss Ima Hogg as President of the board. He held this post until 1970, when he retired to become "President Emeritus" and lifetime trustee. In addition to the Symphony, numerous organizations benefited from the Hirsch's generosity, including the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
For three decades, the Hirsches supported fundraising endeavors, donated works of art to the permanent collection, and contributed time and energy to the museum. "We tried to make it one of the best in the United States," she once said. In 1981, recognizing the need for a strong research center, they founded and established an endowment for the museum's Hirsch Library. Today this library holds 74,048 books, 68,000 slides, and houses the museum's archives and the Archives of American Art.
After her husband's death in 1983, Mrs. Hirsch continued to take a special interest in the museum. "I feel that anyone who takes so much from the city should give something back," she once said. At the museum, she was elected a life-trustee, a position of enormous importance to her. She served as chairman of the Library Committee.
Mrs. Hirsch conducted her charitable and social affairs with great wit and style. In 1983, she was elected to the "Houston Chronicle"'s first best-dressed list. Her passion for fine jewelry was well known and her collection much admired. She was seldom seen without some sparkling jewel.
Reflecting her remarkable life, generosity, and love for the museum, Mrs. Hirsch's collection of jewelry is being sold to benefit the Hirsch Library at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. (2)
A necklace, designed as a line of yellow gold oval ropework links, enhanced by three sculpted yellow gold lion's head and circular-cut diamond motifs, mounted in 18K white and yellow gold--28½ in. (72.4 cm); and a pair of ear clips en suite
WINIFRED BUSBY HIRSCH
(1907-1990)
Winifred Busby Hirsch became a Texan in the late 1940s, following her marriage to General Maurice Hirsch, a prominent lawyer from an established and civic-minded Houston family. During thirty-six years of marriage, the Hirsches were leaders in the city's cultural community. They became one of Houston's most beloved and philanthropic couples.
As an integral part of Houston society, General and Mrs.Hirsch entertained frequently at their River Oaks home, making it a popular gathering place for arts and international groups. Winifred Hirsch was considered a beautiful and innovative hostess. Her memory for faces and names was legendary and she never failed to charm and amuse her guests.
As avid travelers, the Hirsches circled the globe twenty-seven times, acquiring a unique collection of art, jewelry and objects that reflected their fascination with the beauty and diversity of cultures throughout the world. It is said that, wherever they might be in the world, General Hirsch gave his wife a gift every day of their marriage as a token of his devotion.
In Houston, the Hirsches were perhaps most recognized and respected for their love of the Arts. General Hirsch served as Vice President of the Houston Symphony from 1953-1955, and in 1956 he succeeded Miss Ima Hogg as President of the board. He held this post until 1970, when he retired to become "President Emeritus" and lifetime trustee. In addition to the Symphony, numerous organizations benefited from the Hirsch's generosity, including the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
For three decades, the Hirsches supported fundraising endeavors, donated works of art to the permanent collection, and contributed time and energy to the museum. "We tried to make it one of the best in the United States," she once said. In 1981, recognizing the need for a strong research center, they founded and established an endowment for the museum's Hirsch Library. Today this library holds 74,048 books, 68,000 slides, and houses the museum's archives and the Archives of American Art.
After her husband's death in 1983, Mrs. Hirsch continued to take a special interest in the museum. "I feel that anyone who takes so much from the city should give something back," she once said. At the museum, she was elected a life-trustee, a position of enormous importance to her. She served as chairman of the Library Committee.
Mrs. Hirsch conducted her charitable and social affairs with great wit and style. In 1983, she was elected to the "Houston Chronicle"'s first best-dressed list. Her passion for fine jewelry was well known and her collection much admired. She was seldom seen without some sparkling jewel.
Reflecting her remarkable life, generosity, and love for the museum, Mrs. Hirsch's collection of jewelry is being sold to benefit the Hirsch Library at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. (2)