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Lot Essay
Graceful, selfless and endlessly generous, Maureen Dwyer Smith left an enduring mark on both the institutions she was involved in and the people she encountered during her lifetime.
Maureen was born in New York City and grew up in the suburb of New Rochelle. She pursued her passion for art at Newton College of the Sacred Heart, where she earned her degree in Painting and Studio Art, and later at The New School, studying the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.
She began her career in publishing, but her true stage became Chicago, where she and her husband, Edward “E.B.” Smith, built a life together for more than fifty years. Their marriage was filled with love, happiness, and shared adventures with their sons Edward and Peter, along with their daughters-in-law Debbie and Eliza and five grandchildren Nathan, Brandon, Liam, Josie, and Teddy.
Together, Maureen and E.B. cultivated remarkable collections that reflected their deep appreciation for art and history. Their interests spanned from contemporary glass paperweights and American paintings to remarkable examples of secular and religious stained glass windows spanning eight centuries. Many of these valuable works have been donated to museums in Chicago, where they continue to inspire and delight new generations of admirers.
Maureen was a steady force in civic leadership in Chicago. She served as Chair of the Board of the Joffrey Ballet, where she also founded its Women’s Board. Maureen led with vision and determination and was widely credited with helping to establish a sound financial and managerial foundation for the Joffrey.
Maureen’s dedication to the arts and education extended to numerous other institutions. She was a Trustee of the Field Museum, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the Museum of Contemporary Art and After School Matters. She also served on the Women’s Boards of the Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern University, the Alliance Française, the Goodman Theatre, the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Her commitment to civic engagement earned her shared awards from the Harvard Club of Chicago and DePaul University. Her leadership was always paired with a personal touch, turning colleagues into friends and projects into lasting legacies.
Maureen was known not only for her record of philanthropic accomplishments but for her endless kindness, affection and support to anyone she came across.
Her legacy lives on not only through her contributions to Chicago, but through her jewelry collection which is a testament to her vibrant and sophisticated character. From colorful jewels by the world’s greatest designers including Tony Duquette, Verdura, and David Webb, to important diamond and gemstone jewelry including an impressive emerald and diamond necklace, Maureen's jewelry reflects her passion for design and enduring elegance.
Christie’s is proud to present Elegant Jewels from the Collection of Maureen Dwyer Smith.
Maureen was born in New York City and grew up in the suburb of New Rochelle. She pursued her passion for art at Newton College of the Sacred Heart, where she earned her degree in Painting and Studio Art, and later at The New School, studying the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.
She began her career in publishing, but her true stage became Chicago, where she and her husband, Edward “E.B.” Smith, built a life together for more than fifty years. Their marriage was filled with love, happiness, and shared adventures with their sons Edward and Peter, along with their daughters-in-law Debbie and Eliza and five grandchildren Nathan, Brandon, Liam, Josie, and Teddy.
Together, Maureen and E.B. cultivated remarkable collections that reflected their deep appreciation for art and history. Their interests spanned from contemporary glass paperweights and American paintings to remarkable examples of secular and religious stained glass windows spanning eight centuries. Many of these valuable works have been donated to museums in Chicago, where they continue to inspire and delight new generations of admirers.
Maureen was a steady force in civic leadership in Chicago. She served as Chair of the Board of the Joffrey Ballet, where she also founded its Women’s Board. Maureen led with vision and determination and was widely credited with helping to establish a sound financial and managerial foundation for the Joffrey.
Maureen’s dedication to the arts and education extended to numerous other institutions. She was a Trustee of the Field Museum, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the Museum of Contemporary Art and After School Matters. She also served on the Women’s Boards of the Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern University, the Alliance Française, the Goodman Theatre, the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Her commitment to civic engagement earned her shared awards from the Harvard Club of Chicago and DePaul University. Her leadership was always paired with a personal touch, turning colleagues into friends and projects into lasting legacies.
Maureen was known not only for her record of philanthropic accomplishments but for her endless kindness, affection and support to anyone she came across.
Her legacy lives on not only through her contributions to Chicago, but through her jewelry collection which is a testament to her vibrant and sophisticated character. From colorful jewels by the world’s greatest designers including Tony Duquette, Verdura, and David Webb, to important diamond and gemstone jewelry including an impressive emerald and diamond necklace, Maureen's jewelry reflects her passion for design and enduring elegance.
Christie’s is proud to present Elegant Jewels from the Collection of Maureen Dwyer Smith.