NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s unveiled highlights from the upcoming single-owner collection, American Avant-Garde: The James D. Zellerbach Residence by Frances Elkins. This exceptional collection, created by pioneering American interior designer Frances Elkins, and maintained until now in its original location since 1937, comprises furniture and decoration created by notable designers, Alberto Giacometti, Jean-Michel Frank, Emilio Terry and Frances Elkins amongst others. This unique single owner sale will lead Christie’s upcoming Design Week taking place on June 12 at Rockefeller Center in New York.
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Mrs. Elkins played a pivotal role in transforming the world of interior design with her eclectic yet balanced aesthetic, establishing herself as one of the most visionary American designers of the early 20th century. The younger sister of architect David Adler, her introduction to European design began with trips to Paris, where she visited her brother during his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts. During these visits, she formed close friendships with Alberto Giacometti and Jean-Michel Frank, later collaborating with both artists. A trailblazer of European modernism in the United States, Elkins is credited as being among the first to introduce them to America, permanently reshaping the landscape of interior design. By seamlessly blending historical and contemporary elements, she defined a new approach to space and environment, leaving a lasting impact on American interiors.
In 1937, Elkins was commissioned to design the interiors of a house owned by San Francisco businessman and ambassador James D. Zellerbach and his wife Hannah. The designs created within the 12,000-square-foot Beaux-Arts residence became a hallmark of Elkins’ groundbreaking approach. For the project, she commissioned Alberto Giacometti to produce two of his now-iconic Oiseaux plaster wall sculptures; she also integrated Jean-Michel Frank’s refined yet opulent furniture designs. The Zellerbach commission marked a defining moment in her career, showcasing her masterful ability to merge modernism with classical elegance.
Victoria Tudor, Head of Sale, Design, Christie’s New York, says, “Christie’s is honored to present American Avant-Garde: The James D. Zellerbach Residence by Frances Elkins, a landmark historic residence in San Francisco’s prestigious Pacific Heights, commissioned by James D. and Hannah Zellerbach. A visionary force of innovation, independence, and sophistication, Elkins redefined interior design by seamlessly uniting disparate styles into elegant, harmonious compositions that paved the way for pre-war California design and a new American modernism. This collection showcases some of the rarest and most iconic designs of the 20th century, and we are thrilled to bring these objects to market for the very first time.”
Early highlights include two important and rare Alberto Giacometti ‘Oiseau’ estimated at $2,000,000-3,000,000 each, a Jean-Michel Frank Important ‘Aragon’ Low Table estimated $400,000-600,000, an Emilio Terry rare console ($100,000-150,000) and mirror ($50,000-70,000), and numerous celebrated designs by Frances Elkins including the iconic Pair of Tree-Form Floor Lamps estimated $20,000-30,000.
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