The lifelong private art collection and furnishings of noted Richmond art collector and philanthropist William Jay Fields (1936-2008) will be sold Thursday, April 23, 2009. A fixture at all major Richmond art events and avid collector, Fields amassed a collection that includes many important works that will be offered by sealed bid along with his prestigious Unit 1-A at The Prestwould Luxury Condominiums, 612 W. Franklin Street Richmond, VA. The sale will be conducted on site at The Prestwould by Motley’s Auction & Realty Group of Richmond, VA.

The generosity that Fields demonstrated during his lifetime in support of the arts did not end with his passing.  As per his direction, a portion of the proceeds from this sale will benefit, in part, the 1708 Gallery, Inc, the VA Opera Association, Richmond Ballet, Trinity Episcopal School and other Richmond area nonprofit organizations.

The estate contains numerous important works of art in various mediums by many locally and nationally renowned artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Cliff Lee, James Lechay, Geoff Smith, Theresa Pollak, Nell Blaine, Andras Bality, David Freed and many more. In addition to many notable paintings, the collection includes ceramics, woodwork and glass from Richmond, the Outer Banks, Asheville and Santa Fe. Other estate items of Fields will be sold as well, including furniture, a Tiffany & Co. desk clock, electronics and more.

Fields became head of operations for Wheat First Securities in 1972. In addition to his administrative duties, Fields served as president of his firm’s foundation, which handled contributions to charitable organizations. He studied painting, and his love of art translated to the responsibility for purchasing art and sculpture for the offices of Wheat First Securities. He also began a personal collection of note, patronizing both prominent and aspiring Virginia talent. Field’s personal philanthropy included support for the YMCA of Greater Richmond, Virginia Opera, 1708 Gallery, Richmond Ballet and Trinity Episcopal School.

The sale of the estate contents, as well as Fields’ 3,000±-square-foot luxury condominium, will be conducted as a sealed bid auction. All sealed bids are due to the auction company by 6 p.m., April 23, 2009, or they can be turned in on-site during the auction preview at The Prestwould Estate.

All items, as well as a virtual tour of the estate, are viewable at www.motleys.com. An on-site public preview will offered at The Prestwould on April 22 from 2 – 7 p.m. and on April 23, the day of the sale, from 2 – 6 p.m. Perspective bidders are welcome to drop by at any time during the preview. For those who have never attended or participated in a sealed bid auction, staff will be available to assist with the process.

The Prestwould Luxury Condominiums are located at 612 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA. Motley’s gallery is located at 4402 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA.

For more information call (804) 355-2100. This notice was provided by Michelle Orgers.