The Collections of Mrs. Henry Ford II, Presented by Christie’s

This spring, Christie’s will offer the Collections of of Mrs. Henry Ford II, comprising more than 600 lots from her London residence on Eaton Square, her Buckinghamshire country home, Turville Grange, and her Palm Beach home.

The late Kathleen DuRoss Ford’s exemplary collection comprises masterpiece objects, important English furniture and works of art, important impressionist works as well as modern British pictures, European & American furniture, lighting, silver, porcelain services, entertaining wares, needlework carpets, decorative furnishings, and personal effects, all of which offer a window on the very private homes and lifestyle of the late Mr and Mrs Henry Ford II.

Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s International says,“The Ford name is not only synonymous with the creation of the modern automotive industry but also with style and collecting on a grand scale. These sales open a window on a golden era, with many of the important works of art acquired in the mid-20th Century during a time of unprecedented opportunity for the discerning collector.  Objects appealed not only because of their importance or quality but also for their exceptional provenance; the sale includes works of art from collections such as that of the Duke of Wellington as well as furniture from great English country houses such as Campsea Ashe High House. Kathleen Ford’s interiors, created in collaboration with architects and designers such as Mario Buatta, David Easton, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler and Grant White, built on these earlier foundations and are testament to her taste and flair. Christie’s is thrilled to have been entrusted with this multi-faceted collection, which will not only be a highlight of the spring auction season on both sides of the Atlantic, but also offers a glimpse of the private world and personal taste of members of one of America’s most celebrated dynasties.”

Eaton Square

The sale also includes more personal items such as engraved silver from Henry Ford II’s yacht Santa Maria and Henry Ford II’s desk from his study at Turville Grange, as well as a small group of Kathleen Ford’s handbags by makers such as Chanel and Hermès. The eponymous English decorators Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler were instrumental in the creation of the interiors at both Kathleen Ford’s London home on Eaton Square and her Buckinghamshire country home, Turville Grange. Previous owners of Turville Grange included Lee Radziwill, the sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (née Bouvier).

Also included are treasures from the celebrated interiors created by McMillen for Henry Ford II at Grosse Pointe, Michigan in the 1950s. The collection there was considered almost without rival in its own time.

Part I of the sale, from her Palm Beach home, will be offered at Christie’s New York on March 30, 2021, followed by Part II, from her English residences on April 15. Today we will take a tour of these three magnificent residences!

Eaton Square
Eaton Square
Eaton Square
Turville Grange
Turville Grange
Turville Grange
Turville Grange
Turville Grange (via Country Town & House)
Turville Grange (via Country Town & House)
Turville Grange (via Country Town & House)
Turville Grange
Turville Grange
Turville Grange
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Palm Beach

Photography was provided by Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021, unless otherwise noted. Please visit Christie’s to view the enchanting Collection of Mrs. Henry Ford II.

6 COMMENTS

  1. What grand and fantastic homes! Like something out of a fairy tale. Interesting the way they added a ribbon detail to the edges of wallpapered rooms in the Turville Grange. Haven’t seen that before.

  2. What a beautiful collection. The Fuchsia Chintz used in Turville Grange was also used by Lee Radziwill in her bedroom at her Manhattan Apartment featured in the ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST JULI / AUGUST 1975 Issue.

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