The widely admired design historian and New York gallery owner Emily Evans Eerdmans was invited by the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables [HPACG] to speak about the subject of her exciting and long-awaited new book Henri Samuel, The Master of the French Interior on Tuesday, June 5, at Bonnin Ashley Antiques.
A highly enthusiastic room exceeding 60 attendees enjoyed Champagne, canapés and an illustrated power point lecture by Eerdmans followed by a book signing with books available for purchase that were provided by Books & Books of Coral Gables.
This is Eerdmans’ sixth publication. Other books by the author, who also teaches connoisseurship and design at the New York School of Interior Design, include critically acclaimed monographs on design legends such as Madeleine Castaing and Mario Buatta. She also is the owner of Eerdmans Fine Arts in New York City, and sells art, antiques and fine items of design on 1stdibs.com.
As she addressed the assembled guests, Eerdmans shared fascinating facts and breathtaking images about the work of this design legend who counted such eminent clients as members of the Rothschild family in Europe and the cream of New York society such as Charles and Jayne Wrightsman and John and Susan Gutfreund among others for whom Henri Samuel created unforgettable interiors that have become iconic rooms today.
Thanks to co-sponsors Bonnin Ashley Antiques which allowed the event to take place against the backdrop of the gallery filled with lovely 18th and 19th Century European antiques. Owned by Michael and Sorné Flick, Bonnin Ashley Antiques is located at 4707 SW 72 Ave. in Miami. Additional co-sponsors included Lluria Fine Arts Services LLC, whose owner and president, Juan P. Lluria, is among the most highly certified and experienced locally based appraisers of art and antiques in the area. LFAS also serves clients as advisor and broker for collectors and liquidates estates all over the USA for a variety of clients.
A longtime friend of the author, it was Lluria who conceived and helped Dr. Martinez Carbonell, president of HPACG, orchestrate the event under the auspices of HPACG and its board of directors.
The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1991. The association promotes the understanding of the importance of historic resources and their preservation. For more information, visit www.historiccoralgables.org.
