The Online auction of the Friedman Collection of mostly glass and some art was terrific. With a sell though rate of 96 percent, lost overall sold exactly between the low and high estimate exclusively on Bidsquare.com though their time based auction format. The sale totaled $748,000 on the 314 lots presented. 

With most of the big name glass artists represented, all the usual suspects did well, with lesser-known artist making a fine showing based on the quality of the pieces chosen by the collectors, Bob and Ann Friedman. The sale was a fantastic opportunity for buyers to acquire works that have not been on the market in years and the response to the sale was very encouraging to say the least. A Lino Tagliapietra vessel with a Batutto finish sold for $12,980, while a Dan Dailey sold for $25,960. Two William Morris pieces were offered with "Ancient Artifact" bringing $35,400 and "Ryton Bull" selling for $30,860. A large and very colorful piece by Klaus Moje was hotly contested and sold at last for $11,800. 

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About the Collection

WOLFS is pleased to present for sale at auction the remarkable contemporary glass collection of Robert and Ann Friedman. Bidding begins Wednesday September 16 and begins closing on Saturday September 26, 2015, at 11am Eastern.

In an intense twenty-year period, Bob and Ann Friedman of Shaker Heights, Ohio assembled a spectacular collection of contemporary art glass. The Friedmans’ love of art and collecting began in 1943 when Bob met and began a long friendly relationship with Thomas Hart Benton, from whom Bob purchased Benton’s oil painting “Spring Storm.” Some twenty years later, feeling that the Benton ought to be seen by the public, the Friedmans decided to sell the Benton oil (through WOLFS) and it was purchased by the Figge Museum in Davenport, Iowa. They used the proceeds of the sale to build a modern residence nestled in the woods of Lyndhurst, Ohio. This new house was planned specifically to allow their passionate interest and collection of contemporary glass to grow.

Because the world of contemporary glass is lively, sculptural, colorful and magical, it mesmerized the Friedmans. With their intelligence, their keen eye and their love of people, they travelled the region and the country, amassing a truly incredible 300-piece collection. The list of artists represented is a roster of the best and most exciting artists working in the field; with stunning pieces by David Bennett, Laszlo Boyadjiev, Emily Brock, Jose Chardiet, Dale Chihuly, Daniel Clayman, Dan Dailey, Richard Jolley, Hitoshi Kakizaki, William Morris, Marc Petrovic, Seth Randal, Paul Stankard, Lino Tagliapietra, Bertil Vallien, J. Walentynowicz and many many others.

Just as they enjoyed their relationship with Thomas Benton, they enjoyed the company and correspondence with the glass artists, who were often invited to the Friedman home for dinners when they came to town. The Friedmans relished their collection and it enhanced their lives. Each piece in the collection was carefully chosen by Bob and Ann together, and each was approved by both. The pieces that were bought were those that genuinely moved them. One can’t help but respond to the dramatic and exuberant forms, many of which have human form. Animals such as horses, birds and fish are abundant as well. There are joyful pieces, some darker, thought provoking pieces, and pieces of extreme beauty and technical brilliance.

The auction also includes a grouping of fine art and sculpture, with notable examples; a Romare Bearden collage, Thomas Hart Benton lithographs, Masumi Hayashi photo collages, Cleveland Print Club Prints and other fine contemporary works. Select modern furnishings will also be sold.