Iconic Designs of Frances Elkins Hit Auction Block

Next month, Christie’s will auction 36 spectacular lots from a San Francisco home. What makes them so spectacular? The home’s interior was designed in 1937 by Frances Elkins (often referred to as “the first great California decorator”) and the pieces she commissioned, from the likes of Jean-Michel Frank and Alberto Giacometti, have remained in situ ever since, despite changes in ownership over time. “This is just the third owner,” noted Victoria Tudor, Head of Sale, Design, Christie’s New York, of these particular pieces. “That in and of itself is so pivotal for provenance when you come to an auction. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

Those three Elkins-related owners are as fascinating as the pieces themselves. Mr. and Mrs. James D. Zellerbach originally tapped Elkins to design their 12,000 square-foot Beaux Arts mansion, which was designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr., who was also responsible the San Francisco Opera House and City Hall. At the time, Zellerbach was president of the Crown Zellerbach Paper Company; he later became the United States Ambassador to Italy. In 1994 the Pacific Heights home was purchased by Norah and Norman Stone, philanthropists and notable art collectors. Their renovation was really more of a restoration, keeping most of the interiors intact. Norah Stone passed away in 2019, followed by Norman in 2021. In 2022, the home was sold for $34.5 million to the current owners, who wish to remain anonymous while offering gems from the Elkins-designed bar, card room, gallery, and foyer at auction.

There are many standout lots but perhaps the most notable, says Tudor, is the pair of Alberto Giacometti “Oiseau” (French for “bird”), being sold separately. “There was one on either side of the vestibule, set in a beautiful niche with a great arch. Working with the Alberto Giacometti foundation we were able to understand that these are the only known curved versions of these birds. I think each of these lots, being offered at $2-3 million, is an absolutely incredible find.” Others sure to ignite bidding wars include a cerused oak “Aragon” table by Jean-Michel Frank ($400,000-$600,000), a plaster and wood console ($100,000-$150,000) and mirror ($50,000-$70,000), both by Emilio Terry. And, of course, pieces by Elkins herself, including a game table and four sculptural “Spider” chairs ($30,000-$50,000), a set of five bar stools ($20,000-$30,000) and a pair of tree-form floor lamps ($20,000-$30,000).

Many, Tudor included, believe Frances Elkins was never properly recognized for her important contributions to American interior design. “She redefined interior design by seamlessly uniting disparate styles into elegant, harmonious compositions that paved the way for pre-war California design and a new American modernism. I hope one outcome of this sale will be an appreciation of her as an artist and a talent in her own right.”

“American Avant-Garde: The James D. Zellerbach Residence by Frances Elkins,” will lead Christie’s Design Week, taking place on June 12 in New York City.