In a landmark series of sales to take place in February 2026, Christie’s is proud to present the contents of one of the last great treasure houses of New York. Opening the suite of sales on day one is Irene Roosevelt Aitken: The Dining Room and British Paintings. This live auction features the dining‑room contents at 990 Fifth Avenue, including fine English furniture, important silver and a menagerie of Meissen porcelain birds and animals. A selection of Irene Aitken’s world‑class collection of ormolu‑mounted Blue John objets by Matthew Boulton is also introduced. Further highlights include British paintings, portraiture and pastels.
Irene Aitken was a true devotee of the arts and, to further her legacy of generosity, proceeds from the collection will benefit the three New York cultural institutions closest to her heart: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Collection and The Morgan Library & Museum.