The widely admired design historian and New York gallery owner Emily Evans Eerdmans was invited by Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables [HPACG] to speak about the subject of her exciting and long awaited new book “Henri Samuel, The Master of the French Interior” on Tuesday, 5 June at the long established and magical antiques gallery, Bonnin Ashley Antiques to a highly enthusiastic room exceeding 60 attendees who enjoyed Champagne, canapés and a ravishingly illustrated power point lecture by Ms. Eerdmans followed by a book signing with books available for purchase that were provided by Books & Books of Coral Gables. This is Ms. Eerdmans’ sixth publication. Other books by this author, who also teaches connoisseurship and design at The New York School of Interior Design, include critically acclaimed monographs on design legends such as Madeleine Castaing and Mario Buatta. She is also owner of Eerdmans Fine Arts in New York City, and sells art, antiques and fine items of design on 1stdibs.com

As she addressed the assembled guests, the riveted audience was completely engrossed in Ms. Eerdmans mesmerizing presentation as she shared fascinating facts and breathtaking images about the work of this design legend who counted such eminent clients as members of the Rothschild family in Europe and the cream of New York society like Charles and Jayne Wrightsman and John and Susan Gutfreund among others for whom Henri Samuel created unforgettable interiors that have become iconic rooms today.

Thanks to co-sponsors Bonnin Ashley Antiques who allowed the event to appropriately happen against the backdrop of the gallery filled with lovely 18th and 19th Century European antiques. Owned by Michael and Sorné Flick, Bonnin Ashley Antiques is located at 4707 SW 72nd Avenue in Miami. Additional co-sponsors included Lluria Fine Arts Services, LLC whose owner and president, Juan P. Lluria, is among the most highly certified and experienced locally based appraisers of art and antiques in the area. LFAS also serves clients as advisor and broker for collectors and liquidates estates all over the USA for a variety of clients. A long time friend of the author, it was Mr. Lluria who conceived and helped Dr. Martinez Carbonell, President of HPACG orchestrate the event under the auspices of HPACG and its board of directors.

Additional co-sponsorship was provided by cosmopolitan part time Miami and New York City resident Mrs. Lewis Ashley Fomon of Grove Isle who kindly lodged the author at the Hotel Biltmore of Coral Gables during her stay in the City Beautiful. Distinguished guests included society columnist Daisy Olivera, Beau Genovese and Tom Cabelka, Elizabeth Ghia, Leslie Rivera, Susanne Kayyali, Raquel Hickey, Sandy Scidmore, Hervin Romney, Dora Valdes-Fauli, Maria Teresa Concheso, Malvina Godoy, Judy Snow and many others.

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The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables is a 501c3 non-profit founded in 1991. The Association promotes the understanding of the importance of historic resources and their preservation. For more information, please visit www.historiccoralgables.org

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Gables News July 10, 2018