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PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF RICHARD HIMMEL
Lots 1-135A
The first 136 lots in this sale feature the contents of the Palm Beach home of the late Richard Himmel, the distinguished interior designer and author. Mr. Himmel, who passed away recently at the age of 79, was a fellow of the American Society of Interior Designers and a charter member of the Interior Designers Hall of Fame. Born in Chicago in 1920 and a graduate of the University of Chicago, he served on General Patton's staff during World War II. On his return, he and his sister founded Lubliner and Himmel, a design store where, without any formal training, he began his career as an interior decorator. His taste was eclectic, and he decorated a wide variety of houses, clubs and hotels internationally - even airplanes. Notably, the Chicago penthouse apartment of Abra Prentice Anderson, overlooking Lake Michigan, was highlighted in House and Garden, February 1986 (pp. 152-159 & 208). His signature style is perhaps best summarized as a mix of old and contemporary with a twist of whimsy. He was also a talented author and wrote 12 detective mysteries, such as Lions at Night and Two Deaths Must Die.
The furniture from the Palm Beach house includes numerous good pieces of French 18th-century furniture, including a striking Louis XV red lacquer commode (lot 41). The loving room was decorated with a fine par of Louis XVI giltwood side table (lot 73) and a highly unusual pair of Louis XV/XVI tables of kidney shape with very intricate japanned decoration (lot 44). Ranged around the house was an extensive collection of French faïance models of lions and busts, some dating from the 18th century. The 20th century furniture includes a large parchment dining table, circa 1940 (lot 33) and a reclining armchair by André Arbus (lot 92).
A PAIR OF ROCK CRYSTAL OBELISKS,
20TH CENTURY,
Details
A PAIR OF ROCK CRYSTAL OBELISKS,
20th century,
of typical form
17in. (43cm.) high (2)
20th century,
of typical form
17in. (43cm.) high (2)