Dedham, MA:  After over thirty years as high-end French antique importers and dealers, Jeff Diamond and Ellen Nadler of A Room with a Vieux Antiques of Boston and Brookline, have decided that it's time to retire.  The inventory of their Boston and Brookline retail locations will be sold in an impressive one day unreserved auction conducted by Grogan and Company, Fine Art Auctioneers and Appraisers on Saturday, April 26th.  Over 700 lots of French Furniture and Decorative Works of Art have been moved to Grogan and Company’s 7,000 square foot gallery located at 22 Harris Street in Dedham, Massachusetts where the auction will be held.

Diamond opened A Room with a Vieux Antiques in the 1980s, making bi-monthly buying trips to France to seek out 18th and 19th century French furnishings and decorative works of art for his clients throughout the United States.  “I have never stopped feeding my addiction for the very best in French decorative objects and furniture,” explains Diamond, “Interestingly, my French dealer friends who have visited me in Boston over the years have marveled at the collection that is assembled.”  Despite closing their two retail locations, Diamond will continue his business, Restorers without Borders, a furniture restoration business located in Brookline that specializes in the repair and restoration of all styles of new, vintage, and antique furniture.

Diamond's thirty years of passionate collecting has resulted in an impressive collection of French furnishings in the taste of all French styles - Henry II, Napoleon III, Empire, Louis XV, Louis XVI, and French Provincial.  The inventory boasts over 30 armoires, 20 marble top commodes, 40 cabinets, 70 tables, 30 carved giltwood mirrors, 50 chandeliers and sconces, 50 beds, as well as a selection of seating including settees, canapés. bergeres, and fauteuils.  A large assortment of decorative works of art include ormolu-mounted marble cassolettes, desk accessories, floor lamps and lamp bases, fireplace accessories, cast iron hall trees, garden sculptures, and porcelain inset stoves.      

Highlights include an impressive French Louis XVI Style Finely Carved Walnut Dome Top Armoire with a mirrored center door, bronze candelabra, and side cabinets.  The massive 114 by 82 inch armoire is estimated at $10,000-$20,000 and features a figural and putti carved motif with bird and flame finials and painted cartouche.  Included, as well, is a Louis XVI Style Fruitwood Marquetry Inlaid and Ormolu Mounted Two Part Vitrine Top Cabinet, estimated at $5,000-$10,000 that stands 84 inches tall; while a Louis XVI Style Fruitwood Marquetry Inlaid and Ormolu Mounted Marble Top Cylinder Desk is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.  One of the finer cabinets in the auction is a Napoleon III Style Marquetry Inlaid and Ormolu Mounted Meuble d’Appui, estimated at $5,000-$10,000 and measuring 45 x 39 x 17 inches. 

A selection of over forty 20th century Art Deco period offerings is highlighted by an Art Deco Burled Walnut Dining Room Set ($3,000-$6,000), comprised of an impressive sideboard, table with leaves, and six dining chairs.  A Pierre Cardin Art Deco Burled Walnut Demilune Desk, estimated at $5,000 to $10,000, has two pedestals with three drawers each and a leather inset writing area; while a Three Piece Art Deco Figural Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Garniture, circa 1930, is estimated at $800-1200.     

Highlights from the decorative works of art offerings include a Barbedienne Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Garniture, featuring a reduced version of Psyche by Eugene Aizelin mounted on a rouge marble clock base with figural bronze reliefs, accompanied by a pair of two handled chalices on rouge marble bases.  The three-piece set is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.  Ceramic offerings include a selection of Majolica and Faience items, as well as two large Glazed Earthenware Urns.  The fine art selection is limited, however, there is a collection of prints by Louis Icart and two oils on canvas, one after 18th century French artist Francois Boucher that appeare late in the sale. 

For enthusiasts of unusual objects, a very large Fanciful Iron Bird Cage on Stand, standing over 8 feet tall, bears an estimate of $1,000- $2,000, while other interesting objects include a Winged Figural Lamp, used as a prop in a 20th century French Opera ($200-$300) and a Mid Century Italian Quadrifoglio Art 4000 Guzzini Lamp ($400-600) was used in the 2013 film American Hustle. 

The auction and exhibition will take place at Grogan and Company’s gallery located at 22 Harris Street in Dedham.  Exhibition is open to the public and begins on Monday, April 21st.  Exhibition hours:  Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  The gallery will be open for preview at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th with the auction beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m.  The items are being sold without reserve and everything must go.  For more information, call 781-461-9500 or visit www.groganco.com for a fully illustrated catalogue and the terms and conditions of sale.