Roycroft: Life in Abundance, The Collection of Richard Blacher Part I, 23 August 2023 < Auctions

Rago and Toomey & Co. are excited to announce Roycroft: Life in Abundance, The Collection of Richard Blacher, a two-part auction dedicated to the exquisite craftsmanship of The Roycrofters on August 23rd. From beautiful publications to an impressive selection of bookends, and an assortment of furniture and lighting, Richard Blacher amassed a stunning and comprehensive collection that captures the spirit of this important community within the Arts & Crafts movement.

Auction: Part I / Chicago
23 August 2023
10 am central

Auction: Part II / Chicago
23 August 2023
1 pm central

Preview / Chicago
16 – 23 August 2023
10 am – 4 pm, Mon – Fri
or by appointment

Citizens of Albert Lea An Appreciation of Thomas W. Lawson with Roycroft presentation box $37,800

David Rago on Roycroft

Roycroft Rare Books: An Appreciation of Thomas W. Lawson and Contemplations

Roycroft Handmade Books: The Last Ride and Friendship

Roycroft Copper: Handwrought, Repoussé Designs

Roycroft

Table lamp, model 905

estimate: $7,500–10,000

result: $17,640

Roycroft

Large and Rare tray with poppies

estimate: $3,000–4,000

result: $6,930

Roycroft

Rare adjustable reading stand

estimate: $3,000–4,000

result: $3,276

Victor Toothaker for Roycroft

Rare Old Willow Stump bookends, pair

estimate: $2,000–2,500

result: $4,032

Elbert Hubbard Author's Edition of The Complete Writings of Elbert Hubbard $20,000–30,000

There are several notable works including An Appreciation of Thomas W. Lawson by the Citizens of Albert Lea with Roycroft presentation box. This beautiful leather-bound book features a binding by master bookbinder Louis Kinder; it is hand-calligraphed and hand-illumined by multitalented Roycroft artisan Dard Hunter with stylized landscapes and watercolors by Alexis Fournier. An Author's Edition of The Complete Writings of Elbert Hubbard, a Francis and J.C. Leyendecker Sketchbook dedicated to Lawrence (Mazzy) Mazzanovich, and several copies of Henry David Thoreau's Friendship are also among the highly sought-after works in this special auction.

Various copies of Henry David Thoreau's Friendship

Roycroft

Collection of ephemera

estimate: $3,000–4,000

result: $2,772

Roycroft

Little Journeys stand

estimate: $400–600

result: $2,016

Elbert Hubbard

The Complete Writings of Elbert Hubbard, twenty volumes

estimate: $1,500–2,000

result: $655

Karl Kipp for Roycroft

Bookends with trillium motif model 301, pair

estimate: $100–200

result: $441