Gorey Fundraising Event Auction News

On Wednesday August 9th, The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust hosted a cocktail party fundraiser at the Strand Bookstore in New York City. The event was attended by over 100 Goreyphiles who imbibed themed cocktails and snacked on hors d'oeuvres while viewing displays of rare Gorey material from collector Russell Lehrer's extensive Edward Gorey collection. EGCT Trustee Eric Sherman welcomed the assembled party goers and talked about the focus of the Trust and the charitable works the Trust is involved with. Mr. Lehrer gave a short talk and was available throughout evening to share insights into his collection.

A much anticipated feature of the event was the silent auction. The twenty items auctioned included signed posters, prints, original artwork and a selection of Edward Gorey's personal jewelry items. Live bidding was available to all those in attendance and remote bidders could also participate (preregistration with a fee was required).

With a final bid of $4100.00, Mr. Gorey's unusual brass finger ring was much sought after.

The top item at the auction was a piece of original artwork showing four men in fur coats with top hats in front of river with ice floes in the background. This exceptional piece is dated 4.x.85-5.x.85 (October 4-5, 1985) on the reverse and was intended for a book that was never completed. This beautifully rendered pen and ink drawing was created at a time when Edward Gorey was ceasing to wear fur coats himself, but could still indulge in over the top fashion in his art. This exceptional piece sold for $7250.00

The event concluded by raising over $40,000.00 for the Trust. 

(Photos from the event courtesy Russell Lehrer. Photos of auction items courtesy The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust)