We included Hong Kong in our international preview tour of art collection from her estate schedule because we recognized Lauren Bacall’s popularity internationally- there is a significant fan base in the Far East. The tour started in Hong Kong primarily for logistical reasons- with exhibitions planned in Paris, London and Los Angeles before the auction in New York.

Lauren and I first met when her daughter, Leslie, contacted Morisa Rosenberg of our Los Angeles office, and mentioned that her mother wished to sell some items, and asked who would be the most appropriate person in New York to interact with her mother. Morisa mentioned me, I called and made an appointment, met with Lauren Bacall one afternoon, and it went of from there. We met every few weeks- the shortest visit lasted for three hours, the longest for seven.

Lauren Bacall was a fascinating collector- she collected in a way that all collectors should- she collected things that simply appealed to her aesthetic sense, items that fascinated her or caught her attention for one reason or another.

She appreciated things not only because of their intrinsic beauty, but also because of the memories associated with them- for the most part; she knew where she was when she acquired pieces, who she was with, etc.

I think there will be significant interest in the artwork overall, and also for the Louis Vuitton luggage- especially the monogrammed pieces.

My advise for those who want to put in a bid. We anticipate a substantial amount of international interest in the auction. I recommend that if you see something that interests you, check the condition report online, ask questions, and if you’re going to submit an absentee bid, submit the highest you would be willing to bid, and we will executed the bid on your behalf. Bidding will also be available on the website at www.bonhams.com. I also recommend that you register for the auction early- ideally at least a week before the auction.

My last piece of advice is to view the catalogue online or to order a catalogue quickly- the pre-sale interest is already building, and we may sell out of the catalogue quickly!

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