The Mithra Neuman Collection
Truly great collectors are a very rare breed. I was fortunate enough to come into contact with one when I was introduced to Mithra Neuman in 1995. Immediately, I was struck by his commitment and dedication to seeking out the highest quality example of each item for his collection, which to my great excitement was to now include important 20th century furniture design, and in particular the work of Charles and Ray Eames. Condition and absolute originality were, and remain, prime concerns to Mithra. But so too is the historic academic placing of objects. For example, much of the furniture by the Eameses was produced in large numbers over many years. The examples of major interest to him, therefore, were those closest to their actual dates of design. With these parameters in place it is safe to say that together, over a ten-year period, we formed the largest and most important collection of Eames furniture in private hands.
Many objects in the collection included exceptionally rare pre-production prototypes, such as the three-legged CTM and the three-legged tray table, or unique pieces, such as the 16-panel FSW and composite table for IBM — all of which are offered for sale here. But while the collection continues to evolve, the practicalities of appropriate available space remains a determinate factor in whether or not to deaccession objects. And in the case of the Neuman collection, all objects have always been sited and used within the context of functioning domestic interiors. Lack of space now demands an editing of the collection, but with the help of Wright, we are pleased to make available once again to all discerning collectors, both public and private, some supreme examples of some of the most important and innovative furniture ever created. —Peter Fiell
Charles and Ray Eames
prototype three-legged tray table
Evans Products
USA, 1945
molded walnut plywood, zinc-plated steel
35 w x 25 d x 18 h inches
Estimate: $20,000–30,000
Result: $32,400
This exceptional prototype table was designed in 1945 as part of the Eames’ low-cost program of plywood furniture. Only two or three of the tables are believed to have been built, one example of which was shown in the late 1945 and 1946 New York exhibitions at the Barclay Hotel, the Architectural League and the famous New Furniture Designed by Charles Eames exhibition held at the Museum of Modern Art.
Literature: Eames Design: The Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames, Neuhart, Neuhart and Eames, ppg. 62, 68-69 illustrate this example
Exhibited: New Furniture Designed by Charles Eames, December 1945, Barclay Hotel, New York | New Furniture Designed by Charles Eames, March 13-31, 1946, Museum of Modern Art, New York
Provenance: Charles and Ray Eames | Carl and Dorothy Anderson | Renee and David Kaplan | Neuman Trust Collection
All original. Significant wear to finish on top including light water stain to far edge (on single leg side) extending .5” on to top. There is overall light corrosion to metal frame. Table top tilts towards the single leg.
