NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced Light & Aerie: The Collection Of Lee F. Mindel, FAIA on 13 December in New York, an auction entirely composed of objects from the iconic architect and designer’s personal collection. As a partner in the legendary firm Shelton, Mindel & Associates, Mr. Mindel has had a direct hand in creating some of the most inspiring interiors across the globe. Leading the sale are an exceptional torso sculpture by Alexandre Noll and a free-form dining room table by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1959, along with works by Ron Arad, Poul Kjærholm, Line Vautrin, and Jean Prouvé. Comprised of approximately 140 lots from Mr. Mindel’s New York City penthouse, where he has lived for over two decades, the sale offers a glimpse into his life through the objects with which he has chosen to surround himself.

Alexander Payne, Phillips’ Worldwide Head of Design, said, “It is truly a privilege to have been entrusted with the sale the personal collection of such a significant figure in the Design world. Lee F. Mindel is an eagleeyed collector and the works offered in this sale, which he began acquiring thirty years ago, underscore the artistic vision that has become his hallmark.”

Lee F. Mindel, FAIA, said, “It is bittersweet for me to say goodbye to this collection, documented so beautifully by the Phillips team, for whom I am forever grateful. But I am anxious to investigate a new type of case-study residence when I move down to 56 Leonard Street, where the team at Shelton Mindel created the sales center for developer Alexico and for the architects Herzog & de Meuron. I don’t view this as anything but an opportunity to look to the future and to continue to pursue the unique challenge of integrating architecture, interiors, context and design.”

Lee F. Mindel received his Master of Architecture from Harvard after obtaining his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to form the firm Shelton, Mindel, & Associates with Peter Shelton in 1978 and has since been inducted into the Interior Hall of Fame and has been named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Over the last four decades, Shelton, Mindel, & Associates has developed a stellar reputation as the premier firm for chic residential and corporate projects, as well as interiors of private jets and cruise ships. They are responsible for the sophisticated Polo Ralph Lauren headquarters in Manhattan and the sleek Fila USA headquarters in Maryland, as well as Sting's and Trudie Styler's stylish London townhouse.

In 1994, Lee Mindel undertook one of his most significant projects to date – the renovation of the top floor of a former hat factory in Chelsea into his own home. The 3,800 square-foot space was transformed into a truly remarkable piece of Manhattan real estate. Works of art and design that Mindel carefully chose over twenty years were set against a backdrop of panoramic views of the city, with clear views of the East and Hudson Rivers. Now, as Mindel prepares to sell his celebrated apartment, he is eager to take on his next challenge.

“As architect, Mindel clarified space by laying out the geometric bones of his apartment—an interplay of circles and squares—but as a connoisseur of twentieth-century design and decorative arts, he curated his interior, furnishing the spare architectural armature with exceptional specimens selected from Modernist history… The whole ensemble that he collected in his four-bedroom loft represents a Modernist utopia, a short course in the history of decorative arts, and a small city of icons that echo the urban icons outside on the skyline.” – Joseph Giovannini, Critic and Architectural Designer

Highlights from the Collection

• Alexandre Noll, Exceptional torso sculpture, 1950s Estimate: $100,000-150,000

• Charlotte Perriand, Free - form dining table, model no. 242 , circa 1959 Estimate: $100,000-150,000

• Poul Kjærholm, Rare Molded Aluminum Chair, 1953 Estimate: $80,000-120,000

• Ettore Sottsass, Jr. “Burma” totem, circa 1994-1995 Estimate: $15,000-20,000

• Ron Arad, "D - Sofa", 1994 Estimate: $100,000-150,000

• Line Vautrin Unique “Huître” mirror, circa 1958. Estimate: $80,000-120,000

• Jean Prouvé Room divider/screen, circa 1959. Estimate: $70,000-90,000