THOMASTON, Maine, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomaston Place Auction Galleries is pleased to present a highly anticipated Summer Auction, and a landmark three-day event taking place June 27–29. This culturally and historically significant sale will feature nearly 200 extraordinary treasures from the private collection of legendary television and radio star Sally Jessy Raphael.
Unique, unusual, and eclectic, this fascinating collection reflects Raphael's discerning appreciation for art, design, and culturally significant objects. From elegant designer furnishings with storied provenance to charismatic paintings and rare, museum-quality artifacts sourced from around the globe—the private collection offers an intimate view into the life of one of America's most influential voices.
Before her signature red glasses became an icon of popular culture, Sally Jessy Raphael was already a rising voice on radio, becoming a true pioneer of the audience-participation syndicated talk show. In the early 1980s, she launched the "Sally Jessy Raphael Show", becoming the first woman to achieve national prominence in the competitive talk show format—preceding Oprah Winfrey by three years.
With fearless sincerity and an empathetic lens, the Sally Jessy Raphael Show captivated audiences for 21 groundbreaking years, exploring relationship dynamics, cultural controversies, and the full spectrum of the human experience.
Beyond the camera and microphone, Sally Jessy Raphael's deep appreciation for the arts and spirit of discovery are presented with this remarkable collection. A lifelong collector, Raphael hand-picked an eclectic array of works—each piece reflecting her cosmopolitan taste, reverence for history, and enduring fascination with the stories objects can tell.
"This collection is not only a tribute to Sally's trailblazing career in broadcasting, but also a celebration of her extensive taste and worldly curiosity," said Kaja Veilleux, Founder and Auctioneer at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. "Each piece reflects her vibrant personality and her lifelong engagement with art, culture, and storytelling. We are deeply honored to have the opportunity to present this remarkable collection to the public."
The Summer Splendor Auction is expected to draw strong interest from art collectors, design enthusiasts, fans of broadcast history, and pop culture enthusiasts. Highlights from the collection include: oil paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries by celebrated artists such as Lovis Corinth, Igor Melinkov, and Viggo Pedersen alongside a strong representation of works by other Danish artists; plus 18th and 19th century sculptures, including a striking Thai depiction of the deity Indra atop the elephant Erawan, a revered cultural symbol in Southeast Asia; plus elegant period furniture with historic provenance, such as a 19th century sofa gifted by the Norwegian ambassador, and a Replica Louis XIV Style Settee and Armchair pairing dual provenance—originally owned by composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Thoughtfully assembled and interwoven throughout the landmark 3-day event, Raphael's personal collection offers a rare look into the life, legacy, and eclectic curiosities of one of America's most beloved media personalities. Each piece tells a story—of a trailblazing woman whose passion for art, culture, and creativity continues to inspire.
About Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Recognized among the most respected names in the auction industry—including Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams, and Phillips—Thomaston Place Auction Galleries is a trusted full-service auction house based in Thomaston, Maine. Specializing in fine art, antiques, jewelry, rare artifacts, and museum-quality pieces, the gallery is renowned for its expertly orchestrated auctions that attract a global audience of distinguished collectors. Rooted in a deep appreciation for history and presenting New England's most treasured estates to the world's finest collectors, Thomaston Place brings rare and meaningful works to market—expertly sourced from distinguished New England private collections. Through in-person, phone, absentee, and online bidding, the auction house connects discerning buyers worldwide with treasured pieces of the past—ensuring that the stories endure.
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Website: www.thomastonauction.com
SOURCE Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
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