Auction Announcement: The Estate of Emily Frew Oliver

Concept Art Gallery is delighted to offer The Estate of Emily F. Oliver at auction on Saturday, March 19th, 2011 beginning at 10 AM.

The Emily F. Oliver collection includes Important American and European Paintings, works on paper, and sculpture, Fine English and American Furniture, heirloom silver, outstanding ceramics and glassware, and beautiful jewelry including diamond and gemstone settings.  The entire collection will be sold without reserve.

Emily Oliver was born to a life of privilege in Pittsburgh in 1910 to Margaretta Park and William Frew.  From an early date, Mrs. Oliver was immersed in the world of fine art and objects. Her grandfather, William Nimick Frew, was appointed the first president of the Carnegie Institute Board by Andrew Carnegie.  Her father was also deeply involved in the arts and education, serving as president of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Institute and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Institute of Technology.

The close relationship with the Carnegie Museum of Art continued throughout her life; Mrs. Oliver served as president and a founding member of the Women’s Committee of the Carnegie Museum.  Over the years, numerous objects have entered the Carnegie Museum’s permanent collection as gifts of the Oliver family.  Mrs. Oliver’s collecting benefited from this close relationship with the museum as many objects in her collection were purchased from Carnegie Internationals, including property to be sold on March 19th.

Emily Oliver entertained often at her Sewickley home, which was the backdrop for her tasteful and treasured collection.  This auction sale represents an unprecedented opportunity to acquire objects amassed over a lifetime of discerning collecting.