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Kaminski Hosts Extensive Auction of Fine Furnishings from Waldorf Astoria New York

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Published
10/03/2020 by

Kaminski Auctions is set to host one of the largest and most anticipated auctions of the year. With online bidding and in person previews beginning on October 3rd, Fine Furnishings of the Historic Waldorf Astoria New York will be an extensive display of unique objects from the legendary hotel. Proceeds from the auction will go to support St. Bartholomew's Conservancy in its mission to help restore and preserve the exteriors and gardens of fellow neighborhood landmark St. Bartholomew's Church and Community House, directly across the street from the Waldorf Astoria New York, a celebrated site of history and Byzantine-Romanesque architecture. The St. Bartholomew's Church Site is a National Historic Landmark, a New York City Landmark, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Andrew Miller, CEO of Dajia US, the owner and developer of Waldorf Astoria New York, stated, "Many of the pieces for auction have been a witness to history, and we are excited to see them find new life in the homes of avid collectors." When asked about the potential revenue from such an expansive auction, Miller added, "From one New York City landmark to another, we are extremely happy that St. Bartholomew's Conservancy will receive the proceeds in support of their valuable work."

People from all across the world will have the opportunity to own pieces from Waldorf Astoria New York, a beacon of timeless glamour which has defined luxury for nearly a century—home to Hollywood's elite, host to countless world leaders, and the site of notable cultural events and galas. Over 15,000 items will be available for bidding, such as 19th-century French furniture from 142 Towers suites, including the Windsor Suite, the Presidential Suite, and the Royal Suite. Art, chandeliers, and décor from the famous Bull and Bear bar, La Chine restaurant, and Peacock Alley, will be up for bidding as well.

"We can't wait to bring this immense, once-in-a-lifetime auction to life," said Frank Kaminski, CEO and Owner of Kaminski Auctions. "Given the variety of items up for auction and rich history of the property, we expect to attract bidders from across the globe. The range of the auction is really quite extensive. There are pieces from the suites that world leaders, U.S. Presidents, and celebrities frequented. There are exquisite furnishings from the hotel's notable restaurants and lounges. Needless to say, there's something for everyone."

While many incredible pieces will hit the auction blocks on October 10th, select items from the hotel are historically priceless and have been carefully preserved for future display in the hotel upon reopening. A best-in-class team of preservationists working on the restoration of Waldorf Astoria New York thoroughly analyzed the contents of the hotel and identified key historical artifacts. Notable items like the Spirit of Achievement statue that graces the Park Avenue entrance, the 1893 World's Fair Clock which anchors the central lobby, acclaimed American composer Cole Porter's 1907 Steinway grand piano, a John F. Kennedy Rocking Chair, and more have all been carefully analyzed, conserved, and restored for future generations to enjoy.

"We are grateful for the continued generosity of our neighbor and fellow landmark Waldorf Astoria New York," said Carole Bailey French, President of St. Bartholomew's Conservancy and named a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy in 2019. "An auction of this magnitude will have a significant impact on our restoration efforts of St. Bartholomew's Church."

Online bidding is available beginning October 3rd through KaminskiLIVE, Live Auctioneers, and Invaluable. In person previews will also begin on October 3rd at 2 Galleria Drive, Taunton, Massachusetts. The two-week live auction will launch on October 17th, and event organizers have made all preparation to carefully comply with all Massachusetts COVID-19 guidelines.

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