Kaminski – May Estates Auction
May 18th-19th at 11am
117 Elliott St, Beverly, MA 01915
www.kaminskiauctions.com

BEVERLY, MASS. — Kaminski Auctions will unveil the estate of Benton and Billy Elliott, distinguished residents of Dallas and San Angelo, Texas, in the firm’s auction on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, starting at 11 am EDT.

Benton Elliott, a decorated Marine colonel, exuded elegance and sophistication throughout his professional journey. Alongside his beloved wife Billy, he cultivated a passion for the finer things in life, immersing themselves in art, music and fashion. Their shared love for beauty and culture was evident in the collection of artworks and objects acquired during their extensive travels while serving in the military.

The allure of post-World War II Manhattan captivated the Elliotts, drawing them into the vibrant art scene of the era. Their introduction to renowned artist Leon Kroll, facilitated by Billy’s sister, Hayden Tucker, marked the beginning of a lifelong affinity for artistry and creativity. Benton’s military duties during the day seamlessly transitioned into evenings spent under the tutelage of both Kroll and Gerald Brockhurst, shaping his appreciation for the arts and nurturing his own artistic talents.

Among the treasures adorning the Elliotts’ collection was Leon Kroll’s masterpiece, “Morning in New England,” painted in 1937 at Folly Cove, a place cherished by the Kroll family during summers. Passed down through generations, this artwork found its way into Benton and Billy’s possession, enriching their lives with its depiction of the serene beauty of the North Shore of Boston. Serendipity intertwined their journey with the painting’s setting, as they settled in the Cape Ann region for their twilight years.

Another notable piece from their collection is “Preparing to Pose,” a poignant portrayal of a young woman in repose on a red reclaimer. The woman had been serving in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. Originally part of Hayden Tucker’s collection, it found a new home with Billy Elliott.

Within this collection lies several notable works by Gerald Brockhurst (British/American, 1890-1978). Among them is a self-portrait captured in a sepia and cream lithograph, dated 1949 and signed by the artist himself, G.L. Brockhurst. Another striking piece is an etching titled “The Two Melisandes,” portraying Brockhurst’s first wife Anais Folin cradling their daughter, rendered in black on cream. This intimate depiction is also signed by Brockhurst, adding to its significance. Additionally, the collection boasts a waist-length portrait of Brockhurst’s second wife, Kathleen “Dorette” Woodward, in an etching printed in black and cream, part of a limited edition of 11, also signed and dated by the artist in 1932.

Alongside these artworks is an intriguing artifact: Brockhurst’s wooden easel from the 1800s. This piece holds a fascinating provenance, having been given to Benton Elliott during his apprenticeship under Brockhurst, and previously owned by the artist Augustus John.

The Elliotts’ affinity for fine Asian pieces is evident in their collection, featuring examples such as an early Twentieth Century Chinese eight-panel screen, gilded Thai Buddhas and a Nineteenth Century Chinese low prayer table, huanghuali wood with decorative fretwork surround.

Their estate also boasts a wealth of sculpture, including monumental pieces like the marble plinth that once held Isidore-Jules Bonheur’s “Le Grand Jockey,” and a Nineteenth Century bronze, “Sheeps in the Pasture by Jules Moigniez,” a testament to their appreciation for the grandeur of art.

However, the most intriguing aspect of their collection lies in the paintings from the SS Conte Grande, an Italian ocean liner renowned for its grandeur, designed by the Coppede Brothers of Florence. These paintings adorned the ship’s opulent interiors, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury travel. From knights in armor to pastoral landscapes, these artworks capture the essence of a time when elegance reigned supreme.

Kaminski’s auction also includes a selection from a Dover, Mass., estate. Among the highlights are several continental pieces of furniture, such as a trumeau mirror, bearing the label of Francois Boucher and dating back to the Eighteenth Century. Complementing this is a pair of early Nineteenth Century French Louis XVI fauteuils, resplendent with intricate carved gilt wood, and a circa 1910 French Louis XVI-style carved and painted three-part recamier, complete with bergère, ottoman and low bergère. Not to be overlooked is the Nineteenth Century Dutch carved mahogany chest, adorned with a striking black and white marble beveled edge top. Adding to the estate’s allure are two bronze sculptures by Ferdinand Barbedienne, featuring iconic figures like Moses and Venus de Milo, each bearing the foundry mark.

Among the estate’s other treasures are a 1941 Steinway Model M medium grand piano, a set of Piero Fornasetti “Eve” plates, and a selection of vintage cast iron urns.

This auction will be conducted at the Kaminski Auction gallery at 117 Elliott Street, Route 62. Preview hours will be Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9 am; and the preview is open while the auction is live. For information, www.kaminskiauctions.com.

Our May Auction features an important Cape Ann painting by Leon Kroll, “Morning in New England,” painted in 1937 at Folly Cove, along with other works by Leon Kroll and Gerald Brockhurst from the Benton and Billy Elliott estate. There is also a distinguished selection of antiques from a Dover estate and a Chinese Qi Baishi watercolor on paper from the estate of Dr. Kerson Huang, a renowned MIT Physics professor.
Preview: Monday, May 13th – Sunday, May 19th, 9AM-5PM.
Preview on Day of Sales begins at 9AM, and remains open during auction.
Lot 740. Dominic Besner, “Les Altesses Roturieres”
Lot 831. After Hieronymus Bosch, recreation of “Garden of Earthly Delights’: 0/C.
Lot 215. Richard Art Hambleton, “Shadowhead’: acrylic on canvas, signed.
Lot 606. Children fishing, oil on canvas, artist B. Zyceb.
Lot l90. Ben McPherson, young boy reaching for a muffin, oil on board.
Lot 198. Harry Bermoth, “Possessed’; oil on canvas.
Lot 523. Francois Boucher labeled painted trumeau mirror, 1703-1770.
Lot 688. Portrait labeled Lady Arundell of Wardour, Sir Peter Lely, oil on canvas.
Lot 226. Chinese Republic Period yellow dragon bowl on teak wood stand.
Lot 772. 19th century Japanese charger with bronze mount and bronze candle holders.
Lot 601. Victorian brass telescope on tripod.
Lot 503. 1941 Steinway Model M medium grand piano with bench.
Lot 886. Mid-century style modern egg chair.
Lot 510. Pair of early 19th century French Louis XVI fauteuils.
Lot 884. Mid-century style modern chair with stool, having black upholstery.
Lot 878. Pair of tufted leather armchairs. One of two.
Lot 559. Venus de Milo, bronze sculpture, Barbedienne Foundry mark.
Lot 572. Marble sculpture of young girl, signed Richard Aurili (1864-1943).
Lot 533. 20th century Venetian giltwood mirror having three shelves.
Lot 536. 18th century Italian giltwood lamps
Lot 521. 18th century French carved wood figures of Moses and Mary.
Lot 156. Giulio Passaglia ( 1879-1956), nude in dance pose, bronze.
Lot 574. Bronze sculpture of Great Horned Owl, after the original work by Jules Moigniez (1835-1894).
Lot 234. Painting titled “Cristoforo Colombo’; oil on paper mounted on plywood, unsigned.
Lot 235. Painting titled “Fernao de Magalhaes’; oil on paper mounted on plywood, unsigned.
Lot 153. Three women in a Classical pastoral landscape, oil on paper mounted on plywood, unsigned.
Lot 220. Leon Kroll (American, 1884-1974), “Preparing to Pose”, graphite and oil on canvas.
Lot 63. Chinese Qi Baishi painting, watercolor on paper.
Lot 84. Tiffany & Company Makers sterling reticulated tray, initialed “T”.
Lot 85. Bailey Banks & Biddle sterling Gorham pitcher.
Lot 164. Circa 1989 Art Deco style cast bronze cobra floor lamp.
Lot 519. Pair of late 19th century French paint decorated demilune tables.
Lot 799. Needlepoint tapestry of Imperial dragon.
Lot 175. 18th century Thai bronze standing Buddha with one hand raised.
Lot 157. Leon Kroll (American, 1884-1974), “Morning in New England”, oil on canvas.
Lot 246. Gerald Brockhurst 1800s wooden easel.
Lot 167. Pair of 18th century Thai Bodhisattva devotional sculptures.
Lot 769. Pair of Chinese glazed foo lion candle holders on stands.
Lot 707. Baker fourdrawer dark green lacquered chest.
Lot 158. 19th century Chinese magnificent low prayer table, huanghuali wood.
Lot 56. Gorham sterling “Chantilly” pattern flatware service for {12), to include: {12) each of dinner knives with stainless blades, spreaders with stainless blades, dinner forks, salad forks, soup spoons, fish forks, {24) teaspoons, ( 1) salad set, (1) bonbon spoon, (1) cake server. No monogram.
Lot 213. Monumental black and white marble plinth.
Lot 211. Isidore-Jules Bonheur(French, 1827- 1901), “Le Grand Jockey’; bronze, signed.
Lot 172. 18th century Thai bronze seated Buddha with flames coming from the knees.
Lot 160. 19th century bronze, “Sheeps in the Pasture by Jules Moigniez” on plaque.
Consignments now invited, contact consignments@kaminskiauctions.com
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