A Collector's Legacy: The Gladyne K. Mitchell Estate Auction at Turner Auctions + Appraisals

Turner Auctions + Appraisals extends a special invitation for a truly unique sale filled with elegance, history, and personality. On Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. PDT, the San Francisco-based auction house will present The Estate of Gladyne K. Mitchell. This dazzling collection, a rare glimpse into the life and tastes of one of the city's most generous and cultured philanthropists, is an event not to be missed.

This eclectic auction, mainly spanning the 17th to 20th centuries, brings together fine art, furniture, decorative arts, silver, ancient Greek and Roman coins, vintage collectibles, toys, and more. Each item is a piece of history, waiting to be collected.

A San Francisco Life in Art and Objects

Gladyne K. Mitchell (1940–2024) embodied cosmopolitan taste and civic generosity. Born in San Francisco to the industrious Mitchell family, Gladyne was educated in both the United States and Europe, pursuing degrees in art history and music. Her love of the arts and traveling allowed her to collect beautiful objects from all over the world. As a generous patron to the city's beloved institutions, such as the symphony, opera, and museums, she helped shape the cultural and social life of the Bay Area. Her collection mirrors her passions: art, history, and the preservation of beauty.

Highlights from the Sale

Margaret (Hawkins) Keane, known for her distinctive portraits of subjects with expressive eyes is featured in the sale including the painting “Quiet Redhead” (Lot 137)  with an estimate at $3,000 to $5,000.

A captivating early 20th Century German singing bird gilt enamel music box (Lot 92) decorated with 18th- century style figures and castle landscapes, is estimated at $1,000 to $2,000.

Collectors of European art will appreciate a richly colored Venice canal scene by Fausto Giusto (Lot 260) with an estimate of $800 to $1,200.

For lovers of silver, a Georgian Irish sterling floral teapot by Stephen Bergin (Lot 14) shines with ornate repousse details and an estimate of $700 to $900.

An icon of Christ Pantocrator with ornate cloisonné and champlevé enamel silver oklad that is gilt to the inner border and repoussé garment and marked 88 silver (Lot 246) has an estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.

 The auction also includes charming collectibles, such as a vintage Schuco wind-up Donald Duck toy (Lot 300) with an estimate with $150 to $250 adds whimsy to the high art offerings.

Bid on a Life Well Lived

This auction presents more than just an opportunity to acquire fine objects; it offers a glimpse into the aesthetic world of a woman who embodied grace, curiosity, and generosity. As Turner Auctions + Appraisals opens the doors to Gladyne K. Mitchell's home, bidders are invited to explore treasures that are both grand and personal.

About Turner Auctions + Appraisals

Founded in 2004, Turner Auctions + Appraisals is based in San Francisco. The auction house presents online auctions in diverse categories of personal property. Among them are Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, Asian Arts, Toys, Jewelry, Militaria, Ethnic Arts, and more.

View the full catalog and register for the sale.