Lot 10
Austrian-American (1900-1969)
Howell Coffee Table (c. 1930)
Medium

chrome-plated steel, glass

Dimensions

height: 16 7/8 inches


diameter: 24 1/2 inches

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Price Realized: $704
Includes buyer's premium

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About this Lot
Description

Circular coffee table with glass top and chrome plated steel frame with four legs joined by cross stretchers, designed by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell

Provenance

The Estate of Ilon Specht

Condition

overall good condition, with some minor oxidation to metal and minor chip to edge of glass

A selection from

The Estate of Ilon Specht

Image for Collection The Estate of Ilon Specht

Ilon Specht was a pioneering advertising copywriter and creative director who first carved a place for herself in the heady "Mad Men" era of New York advertising. While still in her twenties, she created the iconic "Because I'm Worth It" campaign for L'Oreal Paris.  A subject of author Malcom Gladwell and Oscar-winning documentarian Ben Proudfoot, her campaign would change beauty advertising forever, catalyzing a pivot from an emphasis on pleasing men to promoting women's self-confidence and empowerment. Ilon also did groundbreaking work for the Peace Corps, Oxy 5, Underalls, and Life cereal. She was an avid collector, especially of Deco and American country, with an eye that transcended eras and fads. Unlikely collections adorned all corners of her dazzling apartment in the Dakota. After retiring from advertising, she moved to California and devoted herself full-time to making and dealing in beautiful things. As a mother, a stepmother, a friend, and a boss, Ilon Specht was caring, generous, courageous and brilliant. She changed many lives.