Definitive stainless steel sculpture may realize upwards of $50,000

DALLAS – Selections from the Estate of Ray Frost Fleming, a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate, notable studio artist, and owner of the Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham, Mich., will be offered in Dallas this April and May, respectively, at Heritage’s 20th & 21st

"Spray" by Harry Bertoia, circa 1970, stainless steel base, collar, and rods with brass beads, measures 61 1/2 inches in hight, and an overall diameter of 68 inches, is expected to sell for between $50,000 and $70,000. (Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions)

Century Design and Modern & Contemporary Signature® Art auctions. Fleming’s estate offers a survey of the great names in mid-century modern design and modern fine art that exemplify the definitive styles that emerged from Cranbrook.

“Ray F. Fleming’s impeccable eye for 20th century design brought national distinction to Birmingham’s Robert Kidd Gallery,” said Caroline Ashleigh, Heritage’s Michigan-based consultant on the Fleming Estate. “The selection Heritage is offering represents the best of the best and speaks to the heart of his education at Cranbrook Academy. We think collectors will be delighted to experience the more unique items in this special estate.”

The first selection of important 20th century sculptural design from the estate will be offered April 23rd and offers rare works by well-known artists, such as Spray, circa 1970, by Harry Bertoia (estimate: $50,000+). Standing over five feet tall with stainless steel rods terminating in melted brass beads, Spray is a remarkable example of the sculptor’s inimitable style. The auction also features Untitled (Tower), 1985, by Julius Schmidt, the critically acclaimed sculptor and fellow Cranbrook graduate (estimate: $5,000+).

Furniture by blue-chip designers such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Charles and Ray Eames will likely attract intense bidding. Van Der Rohe’s leather and chrome-plated steel Barcelona Chairs, 1929 (estimate $4,000+); Saarinen’s Oval Dining Table (Model 174), 1956 (estimate $3,000+); and a classic example of Charles & Ray Eames’ landmark Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1956, (estimate $2,500+), are among the most sought after pieces.

The estate’s fine art works will be offered in Heritage’s Modern & Contemporary Auction, May 31st in Dallas, highlights of which include Moses, 1978, by Deborah Butterfield (estimate: $25,000+), and Boy with Bow, by Larry Rivers (estimate: $25,000+).

An Eames lounge chair and ottoman, circa 1956, of Rosewood veneer, plywood, leather, steel, and aluminum, measuring 32 by 32 3/4 inches (lounge) and 17 1/4 by 26 by 21 1/2 (ottoman), carries a presage estimate of $2,500 to $3,500 (Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions)

For more information on the Estate of Ray Frost Fleming, please contact Caroline Ashleigh: CarolineA@HA.com or 800.872.6467, ext. 1934. For more information about Heritage Auctions visit www.ha.com.