Barbara Walters, the pioneering television news broadcaster and longtime ABC News anchor and correspondent, is a name that transcends mere recognition. She is the woman who not only shattered the glass ceiling but emerged as a dominant force in an industry once staunchly controlled by men. Beyond her groundbreaking interviews and journalistic prowess, Barbara Walters possesses a noteworthy eye for art, fashion, and decor, which, like her career, has left an indelible imprint on the world of style. Now, in what seems like a dream for admirers of Walters, Bonhams announces The Estate of Barbara Walters: An American Icon – an auction of the icon’s precious memorabilia on November 6.
Walters, an enduring presence in American households for generations, remained an iconic figure until her passing last year (2022) at the age of 93. The fierce go-getter made history as the first female co-host on NBC’s Today show, and was even the first female network news anchor on ABC Evening News.
With her remarkable interview skills and a career spanning over five decades, she co-hosted 20/20, created The View, and interviewed an array of influential figures, including US Presidents and cultural icons — from Richard and Pat Nixon to Barack and Michelle Obama. According to ABC News, she once boldly revealed, “I asked Vladimir Putin if he ever ordered anyone to be killed. For the record, he said ‘no’.”
Her numerous honours and awards, such as 11 Emmy Awards and induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame, serve as examples of her empowering influence.
Bonhams announces The Estate of Barbara Walters: An American Icon auction
On November 6, Bonhams New York will auction over 300 cherished items from Barbara Walters’ opulent Upper East Side Manhattan apartment. The star of the show is her jaw-dropping jewellery collection, worth a staggering USD 8 million, boasting 120 exquisite pieces alongside American art and other treasures.
From October 17 to 19, Bonhams will present a special preview of these exquisite jewels featured in the Barbara Walters Estate Auction. Explore these stunning pieces at Bonhams Hong Kong Saleroom, located on the 20th floor of One Pacific Place in the heart of Admiralty. It’s a rare opportunity to get an up-close look at these magnificent jewels before the auction takes place.
But the journey doesn’t end there; an online sale runs from October 29 to November 7, ensuring a wider audience gets a chance to own a piece of her legacy. The collection also goes on tour, starting in Boston at Bonhams Skinner, followed by Los Angeles, and an international tour through Europe and Asia, all leading to the grand finale in New York.
Walters’ Upper East Side apartment, expertly curated by designer Mario Buatta, offers a unique blend of classical elegance and contemporary statements. The interior blends ornate, feminine touches with bold elements, revealing her distinctive character.
The collection of art further amplifies her essence, with paintings often portraying women as central figures and idyllic scenes, all set against a backdrop of vivid colours and a striking, red-walled library.
Exquisite Finds From Barbara Walters’ Estate At Bonhams
American Art
Barbara Walters held a deep connection to American art, especially as it reminded her of her New England heritage. The paintings up for auction seamlessly adorned her home, lending an air of sophistication that beautifully showcased these 19th-century masterpieces. Below are some standout pieces up for sale.
Frank W. Benson’s “Firelight”
Price: Estimated between USD 400,000 – USD 600,000.
Among the standout pieces is Frank W. Benson’s “Firelight” painted in 1893. The American masterpiece is celebrated for its ability to capture emotion and light, and depicts a serene moment – a mother and child basking in the warm glow of a fireplace, radiating tenderness and timelessness. “Firelight” embodies cosiness and family love, which made it a favourite among art enthusiasts like Barbara Walters. It’s a testament to Walters’ appreciation for art that tells a story and evokes passion, and it holds a special place in her esteemed collection.
Childe Hassam’s “Flower Girls (Peonies)”
Price: Estimated between USD 1,000,000 – USD 1,500,000
Childe Hassam’s “Flower Girls (Peonies)” is a stunning masterpiece painted between 1888-1889, showcasing the artist’s talent in capturing the delicate beauty of peonies. The artwork is a vibrant celebration of nature, vividly portraying these exquisite flowers. Hassam’s skillful use of colour and light brings the peonies to life, making them the central focus of the composition. This painting shows Hassam’s expertise in impressionist techniques, and his ability to infuse everyday subjects with elegance and charm. Barbara Walters held it dear as one of her favourites, as it reminded her of the charming flower markets of Paris.
William Merritt Chase’s “The Tenth Street Studio”
Price: Estimated between USD 700,000 – USD 1,000,000.
Prominently displayed in Walters’ living room was “The Tenth Street Studio” (1884-1915) by William Merritt Chase, a museum-worthy masterpiece that captured the essence of her art collection. This prized possession of Walters’ is an iconic work of American art that captures the artist’s talent in depicting the essence of the 19th-century studio. The masterpiece portrays the vibrancy and creativity of the New York art scene during that era.
John Singer Sargent’s “Egyptian Woman (Coin Necklace)”
Price: Estimated between USD 1.2 – 1.8 million.
“Egyptian Woman (Coin Necklace)” (1891) is a distinguished work by John Singer Sargent. The grace and allure of Sargent’s subjects are beautifully rendered in this painting. The painting showcases an intriguing profile of a woman adorned with a coin necklace, exuding an air of mystery and elegance. Sargent’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to depict the subject’s facial features with precision make this artwork a testament to his artistry.
The Estate of Barbara Walters at Bonhams: Fashion and Jewellery
Walters was celebrated not only for her exceptional journalism but also for her distinctive style, often gracing significant interviews and broadcasts bedecked in bold earrings, smart ensembles, and intriguing brooches. Her collection of clothes and jewellery is an intrinsic part of her audacious identity worn both personally and professionally.
Hermès Etoupe Clemence Victoria II
Price: USD 2,000 – USD 3,000
The Hermès Etoupe Clemence Victoria II 35cm handbag is an elegant creation by the French fashion house. With its versatile Etoupe colour, spacious design, and high-quality Clemence leather, it’s both luxurious and practical.
Italian-Made 18K Gold And Diamond Evening Clutch
Estimated between USD 10,000 – USD 15,000.
This exquisite 18K gold and diamond evening clutch, a product of Italian craftsmanship, carries with it a legacy. Once owned by Barbara Walters, the clutch features an intricate woven and textured design adorned with single-cut diamond fluting and delicate floral details. Its estimated total diamond weight is 3.25 carats. With Italian assay marks and measuring 6 x 3 x 2 inches, this clutch is both a testament to elegance and a piece of history.
Oscar De La Renta Green Damask Strapless Gown
Price: Estimated between USD 400 – USD 600.
This iconic piece from Barbara Walters’ collection is a stunning Oscar De La Renta Green Damask Strapless Gown, circa 2011. A true representation of timeless fashion, this gown boasts elegance and style that align with Walters’ impeccable taste. Now, it’s a part of fashion history and ready for its next chapter.
19K Gold And Aluminium Ear Clips
Price: Estimated between USD 3,000 – USD 5,000.
Among the remarkable pieces in Barbara Walters’ collection, you’ll find a pair of 19K Gold and aluminium ear clips that beautifully resemble delicate rose petals. These exquisite earrings showcase feminine artistry at its finest, making them a standout addition to Walters’ curated treasures.
JAR Diamond And Gem-Set Earrings
Price: Estimated between USD 180,000 – USD 250,000.
This Pair of Diamond and Gemset Earrings, France, is a dazzling beauty that comes with a hefty price tag. These exquisite earrings by JAR, captivate with their intricate design and striking colours, featuring both diamonds and gemstones.
A Ruby And Diamond Brooch And Mid-Century Diamond Bow Brooch
Price: Estimated between USD 12,000 – 18,000 and USD 20,000 – USD 30,000 (Respectively).
Barbara Walters’ estate auction by Bonhams boasts a captivating array of brooches, including a stunning Ruby and Diamond brooch and a mid-century Diamond bow brooch.
The flower-shaped Ruby brooch is a beautiful piece adorned with invisibly-set square-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut diamonds. It boasts an estimated total ruby weight of 28.00 carats and an estimated total diamond weight of 3.10 carats. The brooch is mounted in 18k gold and measures 2½ x 2½ inches. The mid-century diamond bow brooch from France, circa 1960, features a design in the shape of a bow set with baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds. It includes French assay marks and has an estimated total diamond weight of 26.00 carats. The brooch is mounted in platinum and measures 3 x 2¼ inches.
Harry Winston Diamond Ring
Price: Estimated between USD 600,000 – 900,000
Up for auction is Barbara Walters’ Harry Winston engagement ring from Merv Adelson. This stunning ring features a 13.84-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by trilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.46 carats. Walters wore this ring to numerous events, including a 1985 gathering at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, where American GI liberators of World War II were honoured.
Décor, Furniture, and Personal Items
Barbara’s diverse collection reflects the colourful tapestry of her life. Each item holds a unique story, telling her vibrant experiences. The collection includes objets d’art that tell the tales of her extensive travels, serving as tangible memories of her adventures around the world.
William and Mary Brass Bound Chinoiserie Cabinet
Price: Estimated between USD 8,000 – USD 12,000.
The collection of furniture includes a William and Mary Brass Bound Chinoiserie decorated cabinet from the late 17th century. It features a design style inspired by Asian art and culture. This artistic approach was highly popular during the late 17th century in Europe, and it is reflected in the ornate and detailed motifs adorning this cabinet. The use of brass-bound details adds a regal aesthetic to the piece.
Royal Crown Derby Imari Porcelain Dinner Set
Price: Estimated between USD 800 – USD 1,200.
Among Barbara’s collection, you’ll find a Royal Crown Derby Imari Porcelain Dinner Set adding a touch of sophistication to her meal-time. The dinner set features the iconic Imari pattern, a design inspired by traditional Japanese Imari porcelain with its distinctive hues rich gilding. Each piece in the set is adorned with intricate hand-painted motifs that showcase the artistry of Royal Crown Derby’s skilled artisans. The intricate patterns have been a symbol of luxury and opulence for centuries. This dinner set includes a range of pieces, from dinner plates to tea cups, each meticulously crafted to perfection.
The 18th Century Continental Rococo Chinoiserie-Decorated Bookcase
Price: Estimated between USD 3,000 – 5,000.
Apart from its 18th century Italian design, what makes the Continental Rococo Chinoiserie-Decorated Red Lacquered Secrétaire special is its alleged connection to Walters. It is believed that within the confines of this beautifully crafted piece of furniture, Walters penned heartfelt letters to her beloved friends and family. This adds an extra layer of sentimental value to an already exceptional piece.
The Barbara Walters legacy lives on
In keeping with Walters’ generous spirit, the net proceeds from this spectacular sale will be devoted to supporting the cherished causes closest to her heart, adding an extra layer of meaning and magnificence to the event.
Reflecting on her mother’s sentiments about her cherished items going up for auction, Jacqueline Danforth, Walters’ daughter, shared, “My mother was a dedicated journalist, a loyal friend, and a loving mother. Our home was always adorned with fascinating and beautiful mementos from her remarkable and diverse life. I believe she would find solace in knowing that these beloved pieces will be appreciated and well-cared for.”
Explore the entire Barbara Walters auction collection here.
(Main image and featured image credit: Bonhams)