Press Release | PARIS | April 2013

A PARISIAN RESIDENCE, DECORATED BY EMILIO TERRY

The Ambassador & Mrs. Raymond Guests Collection
500 Years Decorative Arts Europe April, 22nd-23rd 2013

Paris Christies is pleased to announce the sale of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Guests Collection, which will be offered in the 500 years: Decorative Arts Europe sale on 22 April in Paris. The decoration of the Guests estate, overlooking the Parc Monceau, was created by the famous interior designer Emilio Terry in the mid 1960s. Highlights include two works designed by Emilio Terry: a marble neoclassical fireplace (estimate: 8.00012.000) and a unique magnificent carpet (estimate: 20.000-30.000, illustrated above), as well as an 18th century royal encoignure by the celebrated cabinet maker Jean-Henri Riesener for the Chteau de Compigne, which embodies the Louis-XVI style (estimate: 20.000-30.000). Comprising approximately 200 works the remarkable collection is expected to realise in the region of 1 million. Simon de Monicault, Head of the Furniture Department, points out: Terry was one of the major figures of the 20th century interior design. Complete ensembles such as this one are very rare on the market. He adds The apartment of the Ambassador and Mrs. Raymond Guest, untouched since it was put together, holds an incontestable importance in Emilio Terrys work, and will no doubt attract interest from connoisseurs around the world.

Soon after moving to Paris in the early 1960s, Caroline Guest, born Princess Caroline Murat, turned to the expertise of the bold and talented designer Emilio Terry to make her apartment into a stylish home. The Cuban designer, born in 1890, acquired a firm reputation by launching what he called the Louis XVII Style, a distinctive mix between imagination and audacity. He reinvented furniture, carpets and ornaments inspired by the neo-classical style, while also drawing plans for houses or gardens constructions, and redecorating town hotels and castles. It is this very same flair that Terry imprinted on the decoration of the Guests apartment, transforming a traditional and formal space into a surprising and dynamic backdrop, which retained balance and harmony. The reference book Nouvelles russites de la decoration franaise, 1960-1966 mentions the apartment: In each room, unity of architecture, doors, colors is attained; the brightness of the palette and the precision of the form work hand in hand in harmony for the eyes pleasure. Classicism, though, is every time renewed with a bold invention: in the grand living room, welcoming despite its icy colors, with intimate corners offered by alcoves arranged all around, the stunning carpet, blue and white with a geometrical outline, proves it to be no less than the work of a great designer. Terrys monumental 375 sq. ft. blue and white carpet comprises black, white and lavender triangles, which follow a dynamic rhythm, radiating out from the centre (estimate: 20.000-30.000). He also created an outstanding fireplace for the dining room, out of grey marble and Wedgwood-like biscuit. It is expected to fetch between 8.000 and 12.000 (illustrated left).

The Ambassador was a fine amateur horse racer and a professional polo player and the collection reflects this passion, with a selection of sporting art which mostly depicts racing horses. The highlight is a canvas by John Frederick Herring Senior (1795-1865) depicting the Bloomsbury, winner of the Derby (estimate: 10.000-15.000, illustrated left) and Appaloosa Horse and Spaniel, executed by Thomas Weaver (1774-1843) in 1807 (estimate: 6.000-8.000).

Sale 500 years: Decorative Art Europe: On Monday 22nd and 23rd April at 2 pm Sale Collection Guest: On Monday 22nd April at 2pm Exhibition: On Thursday 18th, Friday 19th, Saturday 20th April from 10 am to 6 pm and Monday 22nd April from 10am to 12pm. Christies: 9 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris

CONTACT: Beverly Bueninck | 01 40 76 84 08 | bbueninck@christies.com

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2012 that totaled 3.92 billion/$6.27 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 631.3 million/$1 billion in 2012, an increase of 26% on the same period last year. Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the Middle East, with successful sales, exhibitions and initiatives in Moscow, Baku, Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai.

*Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing
fees or application of buyers or sellers credits.

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