Lena Horne Estate Sale

As friends and colleagues reminisce about the great Horne, BET.com looks at some of the items that will be up for bidding.

Lena in Red - Legends of the arts and civil rights movement gathered in a New York City auction house Thursday evening to laud jazz singer, actress, and civil rights champion Lena Horne on the eve of an auction of her estate. The Feb. 23 auction will include fine art, gowns, memorabilia, furniture, and books from her home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. As friends and colleagues reminisce about the great Horne, BET.com takes a look at some of the items that will be up for bidding.This picture of Horne, by photographer Wendy Wilty, was taken around 1958 during the cover shoot for her album "Give the Lady What She Wants." It is 10 by 8 inches. Lot 1197, estimate $50–$100. (All images courtesy of Doyle New York.)

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Lena in Red - Legends of the arts and civil rights movement gathered in a New York City auction house Thursday evening to laud jazz singer, actress, and civil rights champion Lena Horne on the eve of an auction of her estate. The Feb. 23 auction will include fine art, gowns, memorabilia, furniture, and books from her home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. As friends and colleagues reminisce about the great Horne, BET.com takes a look at some of the items that will be up for bidding.This picture of Horne, by photographer Wendy Wilty, was taken around 1958 during the cover shoot for her album "Give the Lady What She Wants." It is 10 by 8 inches. Lot 1197, estimate $50–$100. (All images courtesy of Doyle New York.)

Lady in Orange - This 1960s orange and violet silk chiffon empire waist gown is embellished with beads and rhinestones and designed by Sarmi New York. Lot 1054, estimate $100–$150. "Her style was indeed her own, as was her grace and beauty, which complemented everything that she wore." —Jessye Norman

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Lady in Orange - This 1960s orange and violet silk chiffon empire waist gown is embellished with beads and rhinestones and designed by Sarmi New York. Lot 1054, estimate $100–$150. "Her style was indeed her own, as was her grace and beauty, which complemented everything that she wore." —Jessye Norman

Atlantic City - This photograph, from Van Der Zee’s portfolio “18 Photographs,” was given to Lena Horne by Warner Communications at a 1982 event, according to a label on the back. It’s signed by the renowned photographer and framed. Lot 1194, estimate $200–$300.

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Atlantic City - This photograph, from Van Der Zee’s portfolio “18 Photographs,” was given to Lena Horne by Warner Communications at a 1982 event, according to a label on the back. It’s signed by the renowned photographer and framed. Lot 1194, estimate $200–$300.

Regal Coat - A navy velvet 1970s Thea Porter evening coat trimmed with black passementerie. Lot 1066, estimate $750–$1,000. Images courtesy of Doyle New York."The following is how I will always remember her: she Lived Ever Nurturing Another and Her Optimism will Remain Naturally Eternal." —Dionne Warwick

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Regal Coat - A navy velvet 1970s Thea Porter evening coat trimmed with black passementerie. Lot 1066, estimate $750–$1,000. Images courtesy of Doyle New York."The following is how I will always remember her: she Lived Ever Nurturing Another and Her Optimism will Remain Naturally Eternal." —Dionne Warwick

Chanel Necklace - A Chanel necklace with faux tortoise plastic elements, set with cabochon stones, faux pearls, and rhinestones. Lot 1103, estimate $800–$1,200. "We are privileged through this sale to be able to see, touch, and perhaps own for ourselves a small part of this magic!" —Jessye Norman

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Chanel Necklace - A Chanel necklace with faux tortoise plastic elements, set with cabochon stones, faux pearls, and rhinestones. Lot 1103, estimate $800–$1,200. "We are privileged through this sale to be able to see, touch, and perhaps own for ourselves a small part of this magic!" —Jessye Norman

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Publicity Stills - A group of items spanning six decades of the career of Lena Horne, from the 1940s to the 1990s. The lot features several photographs of a young Horne, a film still from "Stormy Weather" depicting Horne with co-stars Bill Robinson and Cab Calloway, and an original program and numerous publicity photographs from Horne's 1981–1982 comeback show, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music." Lot 1020, estimate $50–$100.

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Publicity Stills - A group of items spanning six decades of the career of Lena Horne, from the 1940s to the 1990s. The lot features several photographs of a young Horne, a film still from "Stormy Weather" depicting Horne with co-stars Bill Robinson and Cab Calloway, and an original program and numerous publicity photographs from Horne's 1981–1982 comeback show, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music." Lot 1020, estimate $50–$100.

Four Lenas - Signed oil painting by artist Jim G. Karr. Lot 1131, estimate $200–$400. (Image courtesy of Doyle New York.)"There never was and never will be another Lena, with her talent, intelligence, humor, taste, bravery, commitment, and on and on…" —Phyllis Newman

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Four Lenas - Signed oil painting by artist Jim G. Karr. Lot 1131, estimate $200–$400. (Image courtesy of Doyle New York.)"There never was and never will be another Lena, with her talent, intelligence, humor, taste, bravery, commitment, and on and on…" —Phyllis Newman

Mask - An 18-inch-high painted plaster mask ornament. Lot 1148, estimate $50–$100.

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Mask - An 18-inch-high painted plaster mask ornament. Lot 1148, estimate $50–$100.

Jacob Lawrence Lithograph - A color lithograph was printed by JK Fine Art Editions, New Jersey, and published by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York. The work, created in 1987, is signed, dated, titled, and numbered 98/200 in pencil. It’s 26 by 20 inches. Lot 1188, estimate $3,000–$4,000.

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Jacob Lawrence Lithograph - A color lithograph was printed by JK Fine Art Editions, New Jersey, and published by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York. The work, created in 1987, is signed, dated, titled, and numbered 98/200 in pencil. It’s 26 by 20 inches. Lot 1188, estimate $3,000–$4,000.

Head Dress - Navy head covering made with embroidered mirrored discs; made in India. Lot 1103, estimate $100–$150.

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Head Dress - Navy head covering made with embroidered mirrored discs; made in India. Lot 1103, estimate $100–$150.

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Curtis Loves Lena - Original drawing for a "Curtis Sunday" comic strip by Ray Billingsley. A reluctant Curtis is taken by his father to a Lena Horne concert, and is converted to a rabid fan. Inscribed in red crayon to Lena Horne from Ray Billingsley. Lot 1022, estimate $100–$200.

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Curtis Loves Lena - Original drawing for a "Curtis Sunday" comic strip by Ray Billingsley. A reluctant Curtis is taken by his father to a Lena Horne concert, and is converted to a rabid fan. Inscribed in red crayon to Lena Horne from Ray Billingsley. Lot 1022, estimate $100–$200.

A Young Lena - Vintage photograph of a young Lena Horne taken in 1941 by Carl Van Vechten. Lot 1001, estimate $100- $150.

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A Young Lena - Vintage photograph of a young Lena Horne taken in 1941 by Carl Van Vechten. Lot 1001, estimate $100- $150.

Commode - A neoclassical style burl-wood and part-ebonized diminutive four-drawer commode. Stands 20 inches in height, 19¾ inches in width, and 11¼ inches in depth. Lot 1151, estimate $200–$300.

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Commode - A neoclassical style burl-wood and part-ebonized diminutive four-drawer commode. Stands 20 inches in height, 19¾ inches in width, and 11¼ inches in depth. Lot 1151, estimate $200–$300.

Abstract Art - A 40-by-30-inch oil painting by prominent African-American artist Charles Henry Alston. It is signed by the artist. Lot 1198, estimate $30,000–$50,000.

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Abstract Art - A 40-by-30-inch oil painting by prominent African-American artist Charles Henry Alston. It is signed by the artist. Lot 1198, estimate $30,000–$50,000.

Civil Rights Legends - Group of approximately 20 books on the civil rights movement and political subjects that were signed or inscribed to Lena Horne. The lot includes inscribed copies of Coretta Scott King's "My Life With Martin Luther King." Lot 1045, estimate $250–$350.

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Civil Rights Legends - Group of approximately 20 books on the civil rights movement and political subjects that were signed or inscribed to Lena Horne. The lot includes inscribed copies of Coretta Scott King's "My Life With Martin Luther King." Lot 1045, estimate $250–$350.

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Bessie’s Blues - "Bessie’s Blues" by Maher. The color lithograph is signed and numbered 78/375 in pencil. Lot 1009, estimate of $100–$150.

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Bessie’s Blues - "Bessie’s Blues" by Maher. The color lithograph is signed and numbered 78/375 in pencil. Lot 1009, estimate of $100–$150.

Bakelite Dresser Set - This set is comprised of a hand mirror, two brushes, covered jar, shoehorn, shoehook, nail buffer, nail file and a comb, each inscribed "Agalin, Le Parfaite." Lot 1012, estimate $200–$300.

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Bakelite Dresser Set - This set is comprised of a hand mirror, two brushes, covered jar, shoehorn, shoehook, nail buffer, nail file and a comb, each inscribed "Agalin, Le Parfaite." Lot 1012, estimate $200–$300.

Bags Fit for a Lady - Four antique-style beaded purses, two of which were handmade in France. Lot 1054, estimate $100–$200.

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Bags Fit for a Lady - Four antique-style beaded purses, two of which were handmade in France. Lot 1054, estimate $100–$200.

Photo session - Group of five contact sheets of a session with Lena Horne taken by photography great Richard Avedon. Lot 1014, estimate $75–$100. "Lena Horne set an ultimate standard for a generation and for generations to come for women in entertainment. She was one of my favorites." —Aretha Franklin

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Photo session - Group of five contact sheets of a session with Lena Horne taken by photography great Richard Avedon. Lot 1014, estimate $75–$100. "Lena Horne set an ultimate standard for a generation and for generations to come for women in entertainment. She was one of my favorites." —Aretha Franklin

African Wood Pieces - A group of African carved wood articles. The collection includes a head (18½ inches in height), mask, standing figure, and Fante doll. Lot 1167, estimate $150–$250.

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African Wood Pieces - A group of African carved wood articles. The collection includes a head (18½ inches in height), mask, standing figure, and Fante doll. Lot 1167, estimate $150–$250.

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Early Photos - A collection of Lena Horne photos taken from the 1940s through the 1990s. Many photos feature Horne early in her career, and many publicity photos from her 1981–1982 comeback show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,” are also included. Lot 1139, estimate $50–$100.

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Early Photos - A collection of Lena Horne photos taken from the 1940s through the 1990s. Many photos feature Horne early in her career, and many publicity photos from her 1981–1982 comeback show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,” are also included. Lot 1139, estimate $50–$100.

Spencer Gerald Pryse Lithograph - Color lithograph (authorized reproduction) by artist Spencer Gerald Pryse entitled "British Empire Exhibition 1924." The 38½-by-49¼-inch work was published by Vincent Brookes, Day & Son, Ltd., London. Lot 1169, estimate $500–$700.

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Spencer Gerald Pryse Lithograph - Color lithograph (authorized reproduction) by artist Spencer Gerald Pryse entitled "British Empire Exhibition 1924." The 38½-by-49¼-inch work was published by Vincent Brookes, Day & Son, Ltd., London. Lot 1169, estimate $500–$700.

Red Table Pieces - This group of table articles includes decanters, vases, etc. The tallest stands 10½ inches high. Lot 1039, estimate $200–$300. (Image courtesy of Doyle New York.)

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Red Table Pieces - This group of table articles includes decanters, vases, etc. The tallest stands 10½ inches high. Lot 1039, estimate $200–$300. (Image courtesy of Doyle New York.)

Louis Vuitton Trunks - Small Louis Vuitton trunk—width 24 inches, depth 19 inches—with stickers inscribed “Lena Horne Hayton.” Lot 1181, estimate $500–$700. Larger trunk—width 39½ inches, depth 23¼ inches—with a lid that has a Louis Vuitton label and a Mandel Brothers Chicago label. Lot 1017, estimate $800–$1,200. (Images courtesy of Doyle New York.)

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Louis Vuitton Trunks - Small Louis Vuitton trunk—width 24 inches, depth 19 inches—with stickers inscribed “Lena Horne Hayton.” Lot 1181, estimate $500–$700. Larger trunk—width 39½ inches, depth 23¼ inches—with a lid that has a Louis Vuitton label and a Mandel Brothers Chicago label. Lot 1017, estimate $800–$1,200. (Images courtesy of Doyle New York.)

Bug and Figural Pins - A rhinestone pavé monkey pin, a spider pin with amber jelly belly, a gold-tone metal lobster pin with coral chips, a bug pin set with marquisette, and an alligator pin. Lot 1100, estimate $100–$150. "There are not enough adjectives to describe Lena Horne. Elegant, stylish, classy, and beautiful are but a few that come to mind." —Chita Rivera

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Bug and Figural Pins - A rhinestone pavé monkey pin, a spider pin with amber jelly belly, a gold-tone metal lobster pin with coral chips, a bug pin set with marquisette, and an alligator pin. Lot 1100, estimate $100–$150. "There are not enough adjectives to describe Lena Horne. Elegant, stylish, classy, and beautiful are but a few that come to mind." —Chita Rivera

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Fine Art - Pablo Picasso's "Vallauris 1956 Exposition." Lot 1014, estimate $4,000–$6,000.  (Image courtesy of Doyle New York.)

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Fine Art - Pablo Picasso's "Vallauris 1956 Exposition." Lot 1014, estimate $4,000–$6,000. (Image courtesy of Doyle New York.)

Ruby Blues - Two bib rhinestone necklace and larger faceted stones in shades of blue and green and red and pink. Lots 1061 and 1063, estimates of $200–$300 each.

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Ruby Blues - Two bib rhinestone necklace and larger faceted stones in shades of blue and green and red and pink. Lots 1061 and 1063, estimates of $200–$300 each.

Geoffrey Holder Painting - A 1959 oil on masonite painting entitled “Lena” by American artist Geoffrey Holder. The painting, signed by Holder, is 48 by 24 inches. Lot 1175, estimate $2,500–$3,500. "Lena sang with such clarity and understanding of a lyric and its significance and brought a very personal and intensely raw quality that was very much her own style. It made her quite unite and unlike any other Black singer of her generation." —Angela Lansbury

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Geoffrey Holder Painting - A 1959 oil on masonite painting entitled “Lena” by American artist Geoffrey Holder. The painting, signed by Holder, is 48 by 24 inches. Lot 1175, estimate $2,500–$3,500. "Lena sang with such clarity and understanding of a lyric and its significance and brought a very personal and intensely raw quality that was very much her own style. It made her quite unite and unlike any other Black singer of her generation." —Angela Lansbury

Vintage Lena Photographs - From the archive of Lena Horne publicity items comes this collection of approximately 23 vintage and contemporary photos spanning the career of Horne from the 1940s to the 1990s. The photos, mostly 8 x 10 inches, include several film stills as well as photos of Horne performing. Lot 1172, estimate $50–$100. "Lena will be remembered, not only for her beauty and her distinction as a singer, but also for her very personal chic style, and most surely for her love of her family and her home." —Angela Lansbury

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Vintage Lena Photographs - From the archive of Lena Horne publicity items comes this collection of approximately 23 vintage and contemporary photos spanning the career of Horne from the 1940s to the 1990s. The photos, mostly 8 x 10 inches, include several film stills as well as photos of Horne performing. Lot 1172, estimate $50–$100. "Lena will be remembered, not only for her beauty and her distinction as a singer, but also for her very personal chic style, and most surely for her love of her family and her home." —Angela Lansbury