ELEGANCE OF THE ETERNAL: COLLECTION OF RENOWNED AUTHOR ANNE RICE TO BE OFFERED AT BONHAMS
Anne Rice in her New Orleans home.
Los Angeles – Bonhams will present Elegance of the Eternal: The Collection of Anne Rice – a glimpse into the home and personal library of the renowned author – this October. One of the world’s foremost writers of supernatural and Gothic historical fiction, Anne Rice (1941-2021) authored thirty-six novels during her lifetime including her famed Vampire Chronicles series which gave rise to multiple Hollywood adaptations. Featuring more than 200 objects from her home including her extensive library of heavily annotated novels, a collection of chess sets, as well as an abundance of sterling silver flatware service and entertaining essentials, this fascinating collection will be offered online from October 21 – 31.
Primarily known for crafting complex and romantic portrayals of vampires, witches, and other so-called “monsters”, Rice’s groundbreaking influence and originality can be felt throughout popular culture to this day. Born in New Orleans on October 4, 1941, Rice suffered a series of personal tragedies that would define her work as a writer. Her debut novel, Interview with the Vampire, 1975 explores vampirism as a dark gift that reflects our own universal human struggles with mortality itself and features the child vampire Claudia, a character inspired by her young daughter Michele whom she lost to leukemia.
Rice’s work was also heavily influenced by her beloved hometown of New Orleans. Having moved away following her mother’s death and ending up in San Francisco with her husband and son Christopher, Rice’s skyrocketing success in the mid-1980s allowed her husband Stan to retire from his teaching career so the family could fulfill her lifelong dream of returning to New Orleans. Over the ensuing years, she would help turn the city into a center of supernatural celebration and exploration, a Deep South mecca for the kind eccentric individuality that defined her characters and her beloved public persona.
Catherine Williamson, VP/Director of Fine Books & Manuscripts in Los Angeles commented: "Those of us who love the writings of Anne Rice often ask ourselves, 'How did she do that?' What was her inspiration?' When we look at the books in her library—many heavily annotated by Rice as if she is in conversation with the author—or when we look at the beautiful objects in her home, we can draw connections between her lived experience and the incredible characters and stories she created. And that can be really meaningful for readers."
Rice’s heavily annotated copy of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, estimated at $300 – 500, Giuseppe Vasari chess pieces and board, estimated at $2,500 – 3,500.
While taking inspiration from her own life, Rice also did extensive research for her novels, drawing from a range of sources from classic literature to ancient history. As a result, her personal library was a treasure trove of reference material filled with books extensively annotated with notes lining the margins and her detailed descriptions reflecting on the book. Of considerable influence on Rice, Gone with the Wind, 1936 by Margaret Mitchell (1900-1941), estimated at $300 – 500, is full of tabs and her thoughts on the classic Civil War novel. Other well-considered novels from her collection include Anna Karenina, 1873 by Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), estimated at $300 – 500, and The Godfather, 1969 by Mario Puzo (1920-1999), estimated at $400 – 600.
In addition to reading and writing, Rice was also an avid chess player, as seen with many literary figures. Chess is a game that sharpens the ability to think strategically and plan several moves ahead, a skill carried over into writing. She amassed a large collection of antique chess sets throughout her life with themes that match her distinct style such as a Versailles chess set, estimated at $800 – 1,200, a Knights of the Round Table set, estimated at $800 – 1,200, a Scacchi Medieval set, estimated at $400 – 600, and Rare Collector's American Civil War set, estimated at $400 – 600.
From left to right: The Godfather, 1969 by Mario Puzo (1920-1999), estimated at $400 – 600, Anna Karenina, Gorham sterling silver flatware services, Versailles pattern, estimated at $10,000 – 15,000
Just like the characters in her novels, Rice loved to entertain and host friends in her iconic Victorian home in New Orleans. She acquired a large number of flatware services for these occasions many of them matching the gothic aesthetic of her life and home. The sale will present several standout Tiffany & Co. sterling silver flatware services including one in the Olympian pattern, estimated at $8,000 – 12,000. Other makers include Buccellati, Reed & Barton, Wallace as well as many Gorham sterling silver flatware services, including one in the Versailles pattern, estimated at $10,000 – 15,000.
While a majority of her personal archive and the first editions of her books are held by Loyola University in New Orleans, the sale will feature a few copies of her novels. This includes Memnoch the Devil, 1995, estimated at $300 – 500, and Love and Evil, the first copy to reach Rice, estimated at $700 – 900.
About The Bonhams Network
Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.
Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.
Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.
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