This will be a Soft Close, Timed Online Auction. Any bids placed in the last two minutes of time remaining will extend the total time. First lot Closing Sunday July 31st at 5:00 pm EST
A Single Owner Lifetime Collection Selling Without Reserve! CASTLES and ATTICS in partnership with RIPLEY AUCTIONS is proud to present This will be a Soft Close, Timed Online Auction. Any bids placed in the last two minutes of time remaining will extend the total time. First lot Closing Sunday July 31st at 5:00 pm EST The pick-up dates/ times are Tuesday & Wednesday August 2nd & 3rd 10 - 6pm in Elwood Friday August 5th 10:00 - 6:00 at our warehouse in Carmel THERE IS AN OPTION TO PICK UP AT OUR WAREHOUSE Friday August 5th 10-6, IN CARMEL, INDIANA. Please let us know after the auction that you plan to do so. This is for small items and not for extra large lots or large furniture. Amidst the rolling cornfields of northeastern Indiana lies the enchanted enclave of an amazing artist, author, designer, and art and antiques dealer . Fifth in a line of nine generations, Robert C. Ray created a veritable Eden of antiques, furniture, architectural remnants, and art amassed from around the world. From several buildings on this property, we are proud to offer this astounding collection. To say this is one of those magical opportunities is certainly an understatement. Rarely does an untouched melange of outstanding items amassed by such a gentleman come to market. Born in 1926, "Robert Bobby Ray" attended John Herron Art School in Indianapolis, took English courses at Butler University, spent a summer in Italy and Spain in 1953, and studied with Hans Hoffman at his School of Fine Arts in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Mr. Ray wrote the first of three books in 1959, and ran an Interior Design Studio and Antiques shop called "Decor Original," located at 1441 North Delaware in Indianapolis for many years. Upon his return to Elwood, he transformed two buildings on his property into his private residences, a barn into an Antiques Shop and Interior Design Studio, and another fabrication into his private art studio. One can still envision the elegance and style he brought to the structures and the grounds. Ranging from a Dutch painting dated 1615 to his own Mid-century abstract paintings, the selection of art available is nothing less than stellar. Included are his own student works, art made for individuals and offered for sale, and much of his advanced professional work.An extensive list of owners of his work and where he exhibited is available. Three hand-colored English lithographs of the Continents published in 1801, a whimsical set of Biedermeier caricatures, and two Danish portraits from the 1850s are but a few pieces of the art he acquired. Purchased in New York and used in an "L.S.Ayres Look" fashion window in the late nineteen forties, a French fauteuil with swan arms styled after Josephine Bonaparte's chair at Malmaison is up for purchase. A Louis XV bombe commode, tastefully stripped of its marquetry by Mr. Ray, retains the original eighteenth century marble top-yet another example of his aesthetic. An extant 75 piece collection of French blue Opaline W/Victorian art glass, as well as a choice collection of sang de boeuf (ox blood) glazed pottery that was purchased in St. Louis are items of interest. An impressive French country wooden clock also purchased there in the late 1940s "while visiting Aunt Blavie" stands more than seven feet tall. An exquisite French Empire clock with a figure of Psyche still occupies the fireplace mantel upon which it was placed over fifty years ago. Blue and white Ching Dynasty vases, Chinese export porcelains, and Wedgwood dinnerware are worth perusing, and two rare Victorian oil lamps with a bulldog motif are tempting. Probably most distinctive amongst the offerings are the miniature rooms Mr. Ray created in the 1950s. His favorite was the French chateau in springtime, which he reduced to 1/2 inch scale. "Details and intricacy cover every inch of the curtained Lilliputian stage." wrote the Indianapolis Star in 1984, when they were on exhibit at the Elwood Public Library. Fortunately, we are able to offer not one but three of these. At one time they were offered to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Castles and Attics is most honored to have been chosen to represent the family of "Robert Bobby Ray." We certainly hope you too will enjoy merely looking at such a splendid offering, let alone this opportunity to purchase not only the above items, but approximately 500 other choice lots at this online only public auction. All items are described to the best of our ability and according to the extensive notes Ray kept; condition is noted on all items, and as stated, please remember these items have been used and sometimes placed in the same location for more than fifty years. It is as if a time capsule were opened and we are privileged to purchase what was available more than a half century ago. There are lots more details to come please wait for updates. Castles & Attics DeWayne Butler - License #AU10500011 Phone 317-833-6367 CastlesandAttics.com