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Wright's new gallery at 980 Madison Avenue, New York City, which will open to the public on Nov. 22, 2013. Image courtesy of Wright.

Wright to open new location in Manhattan on Nov. 22

Wright's new gallery at 980 Madison Avenue, New York City, which will open to the public on Nov. 22, 2013. Image courtesy of Wright.
Wright’s new gallery at 980 Madison Avenue, New York City, which will open to the public on Nov. 22, 2013. Image courtesy of Wright.

NEW YORK – Wright, the Chicago auction house specializing in 20th century art and design, has announced the opening of a new location in New York. Located in the historic Parke-Bernet building at 980 Madison Avenue, Wright’s new space will serve as a unique venue for auction previews and a diverse program of exhibitions related to art and design. Wright will celebrate its new creative outpost with a champagne reception on the evening of November 21, 2013.

The gallery will feature a diverse program of exhibitions and events related to historic and contemporary art and design. “A space in New York gives us the opportunity to showcase art and design in new and creative ways,” said Richard Wright, president. “We are planning events related to our auctions, but also compelling exhibitions which are completely independent.”

Brent Lewis, formerly a vice president of Christie’s, New York, has been appointed director of the gallery. “Brent Lewis joins our team with broad expertise in the area of 20th century and contemporary design,” noted Michael Jefferson, senior vice president of Wright. “Establishing a gallery in New York with Brent at the helm offers our numerous New York clients a familiar and consistent face in the city.”

The first exhibition at 980 Madison will open to the public on November 22, featuring select highlights from Wright’s exclusive winter Design auction. The auction itself will be held in Chicago on December 12. This sale features impressive 20th century masterworks vetted for pedigree, rarity and beauty.

Highlights available for preview in New York include a rare Cloud ottoman by Isamu Noguchi, one of only four known examples (estimate: $150,000-200,000), as well as an important anthropomorphic coffee table by Carlo Mollino (estimate: $70,000-90,000). Also to be auctioned is a superb bush-form sculpture by Harry Bertoia (estimate: $100,000-150,000). Significant in scale and featuring a rare cast sculptural base with extended stem, this remarkable work is among the finest of Bertoia’s oeuvre. Other artists and designers represented in the preview include Leo Amino, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Ico and Luisa Parisi, Pierre Chareau and Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti.

“This selection of works encapsulates all which draws us to design,” said Brent Lewis. “Some are laden with artistic significance, others heralded for their innovations. To exhibit Isamu Noguchi’s seminal Cloud ottoman alone is a rare opportunity, and to place it in the context of such dynamic and important works is a fitting opening act for Wright at 980 Madison.”

Wright opens in New York on November 22 at 980 Madison Avenue. A public gallery preview will run from November 22 through December 12, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. All works will be auctioned in Chicago on December 12 at 12 p.m. Central Time, with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com. Visit Wright online at www.wright20.com

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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE


Wright's new gallery at 980 Madison Avenue, New York City, which will open to the public on Nov. 22, 2013. Image courtesy of Wright.
Wright’s new gallery at 980 Madison Avenue, New York City, which will open to the public on Nov. 22, 2013. Image courtesy of Wright.