LAMA Auction: June 26, 2011

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Cabinet with two shelves
Studio executed circa 1965





The LAMA Auctions lots are now up....
Go here to view all lots...


The above image is Lot 197, Arthur Espenet's 1965 cabinet. Gerard O' Brien talked about Espenet's work at the COMMUNE / REFORM panel this year, as well as wrote his book up on the YHBHS Card Catalog last year... (Please go here to read his selection). I'm still unfamiliar with Espenet's work, but take delight any time I can see furniture of this caliber in person.

Subtle shifts of the hand, variations of color, and the quiet energy that authentic works can give to a room.


Preview lots in person: June 18th- 25th.






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"A collection of 26 William “Billy” Haines custom designs and decorations from the late 1940s include a leather game table, two standing lamps, and a coffee table that incorporates a Japanese screen. Haines decorated and designed for a handful of high-profile Hollywood estates, very rarely stamping or marking his pieces, however, the game table and the coffee table are stamped in gold foil “DESIGNED BY WM. HAINES”.

Additional works from this comprehensive commission include lamps, tables, seating, and paintings all selected by Haines at the height of his career. In addition, LAMA will offer a strong selection of Modern and Contemporary originals by Calder, Anuszkiewicz, Avery, Appel, Vernard, and Botello.

Other Fine Art offerings include prints and multiples by Lichtenstein, Man Ray, Rauschenberg, Ruscha, Picasso, Miro, and Warhol.










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Y H B H S (card catalog) selection 29

Gerard O'Brien, REFORM, Los Angeles
"The book inspires me because it is one man’s narrative about his choices with life. The house was the purist expression of that. "



















Arthur Espenet Carpenter: Education of a Woodsmith
by Art Carpenter; edited by Tripp Carpenter and Linda Moore



Gerard O'Brien, from REFORM, writes "I just got back from San Francisco, where I was for the holiday. I was lucky enough to also get at chance to go up to Bolinas yesterday and see the Carpenter Round House in the flesh for the 1st time. I had been lucky enough to visit with Art while he was still alive, and been fortunate to handle a number of his important pieces.
If not for Art, I would have never gotten to work with the Blunk estate. It was while attending his memorial service in ’96 that I made the connection that led me to work with the Blunk estate.

Art’s honest narrative of his own choices in life, and the images of his work that accompany it are truly inspiring for me. The book inspires me because it is one man’s narrative about his choices with life. The house was the purist expression of that. "

"A prominent figure in 20th century American furniture design, Arthur “Art” Carpenter (1920-2006) combined great creativity with obsessive pragmatism, helping originate the distinctive California Roundover style.

In this book, twenty years in the making and completed in the last year of his life, Carpenter reflects on his extraordinary career. He discusses his influences, including Western and Asian furniture traditions, modern art, and organic forms of nature, and articulates his philosophical approach to design and workmanship. Filled with personal anecdotes and hundreds of photographs that Carpenter took over a 50-year span, the book's chapters have titles ranging from “Wood”, “Tools” and “Chairs” to “Beauty”, “Metaphor” and “Bohemian Economics”. (from here)

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REFORM: Gerard O’Brien tells stories about post war California Modernism and the artists / craftsmen that have called the West Coast their home and inspiration. Take a wander into his L.A. Melrose store, REFORM, and get lost in works made in wood, ceramics, glass, and textiles. It's likely you'll see work by Peter Voulkos, Paul Tuttle, Gerald McCabe, Evelyn Ackerman, and J.B. Blunk!

6819 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles CA 90038
323.938.1515