Stair Auctions

An American Icon: The Collection of Joan Didion

Joan Didion’s career as a writer and influential critic of American culture began in the 1960s when she burst on the scene as a new and distinctive voice. After marrying fellow writer John Gregory Dunne, the couple moved to Didion’s home state of California where they would pursue their careers and became a bicoastal glamour couple, frequenting the Hollywood scene in California and the literary world in New York. It is the influence of both of these places that can be felt throughout Joan Didion’s career as a writer, as well as in the collection of art and objects that occupied her New York City apartment at the end of her life. Friendships with artists produced the opportunity to acquire works of art that reflect the creative and intellectual milieu the Didion-Dunnes occupied, and are the structure that will create a sale that does justice to Joan Didion’s legacy.

Highlights in the sale include works by Richard Diebenkorn, Sam Francis, Brice Marden, Ed Ruscha, Jennifer Bartlett, Vija Celmins and Patti Smith. Also included is a selection of photographs of Joan Didion by Brigitte Lacombe, Annie Liebovitz, Mary Ellen Mark and Julian Wasser. Furnishings and decorations from Didion’s apartment include a large partner’s desk from California, a Late Regency Pembroke table, an American writing desk, silver, porcelain and collectibles amassed by the Didion-Dunnes on their travels, and objects gifted to them by artists and writers. A selection of books and ephemera will also be included.

11am

EXHIBITION:
Mon, Oct 31st 9am – 5pm
Tue, Nov 1st 9am – 5pm
Wed, Nov 2nd 9am – 5pm
Thu, Nov 3rd 9am – 5pm
Fri, Nov 4th 9am – 5pm
Sat, Nov 5th 11am – 5pm
Sun, Nov 6th Closed
Mon, Nov 7th 9am – 5pm
Tue, Nov 8th 9am – 5pm
Wed, Nov 9th 9am – 5pm
Thu, Nov 10th 9am – 5pm
Fri, Nov 11th 9am – 5pm
Sat, Nov 12th 11am – 5pm
Sun, Nov 13th Closed
Mon, Nov 14th 9am – 5pm
Tue, Nov 15th 9am – 5pm

Stair Auctions
549 Warren Street

Hudson, NY