NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s have been entrusted with Property from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., which will be offered across a range of live and online sales during the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. The Montgomerys created an enduring legacy over the course of their lives together, which mixed a sweeping range of philanthropic endeavors with the focused creation of their exceptional personal collection of decorative and fine arts, objects and jewelry. The couple's passion and clearly demonstrated in the strength of the present collection. Included within this grouping is the Montgomerys’ extensive collection of leaded-glass lamps and objects by Tiffany Studios, which will be sold in a dedicated auction on December 11, the same day as the New York Design sale. Also highlighting the collection are several remarkable examples of Mrs. Montgomery’s jewelry, which will be included in the Magnificent Jewels sale on December 8. Extraordinary silver and strong examples of 20th century fine art from the collection will be offered in 2021.

Alex Heminway, International Head of Design, Christie’s, remarked: “It is the greatest privilege to work on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, who collected with great passion across multiple categories, most significantly in jewelry and in early twentieth-century design, specifically leaded glass lamps and objects by Tiffany Studios. The latter group, a jewel box of Tiffany highlights, comprises iconic trophies like the “Wisteria” table lamp; the “Pebble”, a crowd pleaser (and Mrs. Montgomery’s favorite lamp); and alluring rarities like the “Orange Tree” ceiling light. The Montgomerys cherished these beauties for decades; it is therefore an opportune moment for the market — both seasoned collectors and new buyers alike — to share in the Montgomerys’ delight.”




Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., dedicated themselves to the arts, both in their private collecting and in their hometown community of Palm Beach. They are recognized as deeply committed members of their community, as ardent lovers of the arts and as benefactors of culture. Beyond their own collection, which includes pieces from multiple artistic movements and collecting categories, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery maintained a passionate commitment to the thriving cultural scene of Palm Beach.

The Montgomery’s fostered an appreciation for theater and music as well as the visual arts, and the couple sought to support the local institutions that enabled wide access to these cultural tenants. An aficionado of the opera, Mr. Montgomery was Chairman of the Board of his cherished Palm Beach Opera for 25 years, and, throughout that time, he and Mrs. Montgomery generously contributed to its programming. Mr. Montgomery was also a principal benefactor of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, an institution widely regarded as having changed the cultural landscape of Palm Beach. Alongside their support of the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, the Montgomerys founded the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art.

Important Tiffany from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., 11 December 2020
The dedicated sale of Important Tiffany from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. on December 11 will encompass 35 examples from the couple’s celebrated collection. Over the course of two decades, the Montgomerys assembled exceptional works by Tiffany in a grouping that showcases the full grandeur of Tiffany's artistry in glass. Highlights include an exceedingly rare ‘Orange Tree’ Ceiling Light; a striking ‘Pebble’ Table Lamp — Mrs. Montgomery’s favorite — constructed with pebbles collected by Louis Comfort Tiffany on the shores of Long Island; as well as iconic ‘Wisteria’ and ‘Laburnum’ Table Lamps.

Magnificent Jewels, 8 December 2020
Continuing to illustrate Mrs. Montgomery’s discerning taste and passion for extraordinary objects are the examples from her jewelry collection, which will be offered in Christie’s auction of Magnificent Jewels on December 8 in New York. The selection presented for sale includes a 13.63 carat rectangular cut diamond ring, a Cartier ruby and diamond fringe necklace, and a suite of colored sapphire and diamond ‘Fuji Yama’ Jewellery by Marina B.