The New York based Bonhams auction house is auctioning off the estate of Barbara Walters on November 6, with over over 300 lots of American Art, jewelry, fashion, furniture, and decorative items. The net proceeds of the sale will benefit charities that Walter’s supported.
Barbara Walters, born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, was an iconic American journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her trailblazing work in the field of broadcast journalism. Walters made history by breaking into the male-dominated world of television news reporting in the 1960s. Her tenacity and talent led her to become a prominent figure on NBC’s “Today Show,” where she worked as a co-host and writer, shaping the show’s format and content.
Walters’ career reached new heights when she joined ABC News in 1976 as the first female co-anchor of an evening news program. She co-hosted the ABC Evening News alongside Harry Reasoner, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female journalists. However, it was her role as the creator, co-host, and producer of the daytime talk show “The View,” which premiered in 1997, that solidified her status as a cultural icon. The show, featuring a panel of diverse women discussing various topics, became immensely popular and showcased Walters’ interviewing skills and ability to engage with a wide range of personalities.
Throughout her career, Walters conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers, earning her a reputation as one of the most respected journalists in the industry. Her interviewing style was characterized by a combination of empathy, intelligence, and tough questioning. Walters’ contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous awards, including Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation. Barbara Walters retired from regular television appearances in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking journalism and inspiring generations of journalists, especially women, to pursue their dreams in the field.
Some of the more interesting items up for sale include Walters’ engagement ring from Merv Adelson, a Harry Winston Diamond Ring, weighing 13.84 carats with an estimate of $600,000 to $900,000, and a pair of JAR Gemset earrings estimated at $200,000 to $300,000.
The painting Egyptian Woman (Coin Necklace) (1891) by John Singer Sargent has an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.8 million. If that is too rich for your blood, you can bid on an engraved silver-plated cigarette box with an estimate of just $100 to $200.
Some of the highlights will be available to view at Bonham’s salesrooms in Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Hong Kong.
Picture of Barbara Walters’ New York Apartment. Courtesy Bonhams