Chicago-based auction house Toomey & Co. has made a name for itself curating sales of modern and contemporary artworks and designs—and with an Oak Park headquarters set among notable Prairie School architecture from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, William Eugene Drummond, George Washington Maher and Marion Mahony Griffin, it’s no wonder. As Toomey & Co. prepares for Modern Design + Post-War & Contemporary Art (May 20), CEO Lucy Toomey and Vice President John Walcher reveal what they’ve got their eyes on at the big event. Going once, going twice… 818 North Blvd., Oak Park, toomeyco.com
TOOMEY’S PICKS
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOOMEY & CO. AUCTIONEERS
“A vintage model of this great sofa in great condition. This is arguably the most comfortable sofa around, without sacrificing style.” Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Togo sectional sofa, three pieces (France, circa 1974, original moss green Alcantara), $5,000-$7,000
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOOMEY & CO. AUCTIONEERS
"This pair of tables is a really nice example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian designs.” Frank Lloyd Wright for the Benjamin Adelman House side tables, two (Phoenix, 1951, mahogany), $4,000-$6,000
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOOMEY & CO. AUCTIONEERS
“I love the large version of the classic form. It would work as a room divider or as a decorative element to add texture and style to any room.” Charles Eames and Ray Eames for Herman Miller FSW-10 screen (Zeeland, Mich., circa 1950, ash plywood, canvas), est. $3,000-$5,000
WALCHER’S PICKS
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOOMEY & CO. AUCTIONEERS
“I have always been enamored with Picasso’s Madoura ceramics, and this is a really great example. I received a degree in biology from Western Illinois University and, having studied ornithology, I’m quite fond of the owl used in art. It also reminds me of Gertrude Abercrombie’s use of the owl in her paintings—a favorite Chicago surrealist finally getting her due.” Pablo Picasso, “Hibou Mat” (1955, red earthenware, partially engraved, with colored engobe and glaze), edition of 450, est. $10,000-$20,000
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOOMEY & CO. AUCTIONEERS
“Val Bertoia has continued the tradition of his renowned father, Harry Bertoia, creating soothing sonambient sculptures. This one reminds me of cattails swaying in the wind on our family farm in central Illinois.” Val Bertoia, “large sounding sculpture, No. B-2388” (2020, 12 brass cattail tops, silvered to beryllium-copper rods, silvered to bronze plate), $3,000-$5,000
Photography by: PORTRAIT BY KATRINA WITT KAMP
