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Personal Collection of Jansen Alum to Auction

A painting by James Seymour is expected to fetch over $80,000.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 9/22/2005 12:00:00 AM

Internet auction site igavel.com will offer the collection accumulated by interior designer Arthur Bennett Kouwenhoven, Jr online through October 11. Kouwenhoven worked for years at interior design firm Jansen.

On the auction block are contemporary ceramics, 20th century silver, works of the American Arts and Crafts movement including Stickley furniture and Native American silver and turquoise jewelry. Other highlights include his large collection of Asian Arts, which he has collected throughout his life. One of the more pricey pieces is a painting by British horse painter James Seymour (1702-1752). The painting, depicting a hunting scene, and titled The Meet is signed and dated 1739. It is expected to bring $80,000-$120,000. The auction will also offer rare letters from famous literary figures (such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning), a large dinner service of Royal Copenhagen porcelain, and an assortment of English tea caddies. During his tenure at Jansen, Kouwenhoven worked on the Kennedy White House Project, which is documented in the book Designing Camelot, The Kennedy White House Restoration, by James Abbott et al. After Jensen, Kouwenhoven paired up with Carol the Marquisa d'Portago to form Bennett and Portago. When the firm dissolved, he founded his own company. The sale is presented by Everard & Company. For more information, call 912-231-1376 or contact Everard & Company via email.