CLEVELAND, OHIO — Wolfs Art Dealers & Appraisers will present for sale via an online-only auction the contemporary glass collection of Robert and Ann Friedman, on Saturday, September 26, at 11 am.
William Morris (American, b 1957), “Suspended Artifact,” 1991 ($20/40,000).
In an intense 20-year period, Bob and Ann Friedman of Shaker Heights, Ohio, assembled a fine collection of contemporary art glass. The Friedmans’ love of art and collecting began in 1943 when Bob met and began a long friendly relationship with Thomas Hart Benton, from whom Bob purchased Benton’s oil painting “Spring Storm.” Some 20 years later, feeling that the Benton ought to be seen by the public, the Friedmans decided to sell the Benton oil (through Wolfs) and it was purchased by the Figge Museum in Davenport, Iowa. They used the proceeds of the sale to build a modern residence nestled in the woods of Lyndhurst, Ohio. This new house was planned specifically to allow their passionate interest and collection of contemporary glass to grow.
Because the world of contemporary glass is lively, sculptural, colorful and magical, it mesmerized the Friedmans. They traveled the region and the country, amassing a 300-piece collection. The list of artists represented includes key artists working in the field with pieces by David Bennett, Laszlo Boyadjiev, Emily Brock, Jose Chardiet, Dale Chihuly, Daniel Clayman, Dan Dailey, Richard Jolley, Hitoshi Kakizaki, William Morris, Marc Petrovic, Seth Randal, Paul Stankard, Lino Tagliapietra, Bertil Vallien and J. Walentynowicz.
Lino Tagliapietra (Italian, b 1934), “Windblown,” ($15/25,000).
Just as they enjoyed their relationship with Thomas Benton, they enjoyed the company and correspondence with the glass artists, who were often invited to the Friedman home for dinners when they came to town. The Friedmans relished their collection and it enhanced their lives. Each piece in the collection was carefully chosen by Bob and Ann together, and each was approved by both. The pieces that were bought were those that genuinely moved them. One can’t help but respond to the dramatic and exuberant forms, many of which have human form. Animals such as horses, birds and fish are abundant as well. There are joyful pieces, some darker, thought provoking pieces, and pieces of extreme beauty and technical brilliance.
Latchezar Boyadjiev (Bulgarian, b 1959) “Wave,” ($6/12,000)
The auction also includes a grouping of fine art and sculpture, with notable examples; a Romare Bearden collage, Thomas Hart Benton lithographs, Masumi Hayashi photo collages, Cleveland Print Club Prints and other fine contemporary works. Select modern furnishings will also be sold.
Preview will be at Wolfs, 13010 Larchmere Boulevard, September 22–25. For more information, www.friedmancollection.wolfsgallery.com or 216-721-6945.
