Under the direction of Melanie Halloran, Gray’s new Director of Books and Manuscripts, Gray’s are proud to announce the results of their inaugural Fine Printed Books auction which took place May 6, 2010.  Auctioneer & President Deborah J. Gray declares that over 80% of lots sold by value, with several lots selling above their estimates.

Among the highlights of the auction were:

Lot 44: Diderot's 3 volume Suite de Recueil des Planches from his Encylopedie published circa 1779.  A fine series of engraved plates illustrating a variety of topics including surgery and anatomy, architecture, astronomy, military arts, mechanics, navigation, and music. Estimate was $600-800 and it sold for $1,100 excluding premium.

Lot 54: Joan Miro's Litógrafo. Barcelona , 1972-1981.  A bright set of the First Edition in Spanish. Estimate was $1,000-1,500 and it sold for $1,200 excluding premium.

Lot 77: The Handy-Volume Shakespeare.  A charming set of Shakespeare's works.  Estimate was $150-250 and it sold for $325 excluding premium.

Lot 21: Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur Portfolio with illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley in a LIMITED EDITION, number 132 of 300 copies on hand-made paper. Estimate was $250-350 and it sold for $300 excluding premium.

The auction was held live and online with several telephone bidders participating in the most sought after lots.  Live online bids came through Gray’s Live and Live Auctioneers with a significant amount of action with absentee bids left before the auction.  Bidders joined the auction from as far afield as Australia, with several European bidders vying for top lots.  A telephone bidder from Italy was delighted to bid (successfully) with Rita Di Cello, Gray’s Senior Art Appraiser and certified art historian, who is fluent in Italian, and was able to translate the bid increments without hesitation.  This allowed for a fast paced, smooth auction.

Deborah J. Gray, President of Gray’s Auctioneers congratulated Halloran on her spectacularly successful auction and immediately scheduled Gray’s next Fine Printed Books auction, which is to take place on Thursday, August 26, 2010.  Ms. Halloran is currently accepting consignments from consignors all over the country who are delighted to have such a well qualified Director of Books & Manuscripts heading up the Midwest’s newest venue for dedicated books auctions.  Ms. Halloran joined Gray’s in February 2010 after 7 years as an Associate Specialist, Assistant Vice President in the Fine Books department at Christies, the venerable auction house in New York.

Founded by Deborah J. Gray & partner Serena Harragin in 2006, Gray’s Auctioneers are cementing their reputation as the leading auctioneers and appraisers in Northeast Ohio holding specialized live auctions every month.  Gray’s is currently accepting consignments for their summer & fall fine art, books & manuscripts, antique rugs, fine jewelry and antiques & decorations auctions.  Consignors may contact appraisals@graysauctioneers.com with inquiries.  Please visit GraysAuctioneers.com to view catalogues for the May 27, 19th Century, Modern & Contemporary Fine Art auction; and the June 3rd Fine Jewelry auction.

For more information please contact Serena Harragin at serena@graysauctioneers.com or on 216.458.7695.