Quality Cache

When the auctioneer’s gavel falls on Sunday, the sterling silver flatware, unusual artwork and beautiful antique furniture one woman amassed over a lifetime will scatter across the city she loved.

The estate of Helen South Alexander, a longtime Spokane resident and patron of the arts, will be sold at Owens Auctions in Spokane Valley this Sunday and next. Auctioneer Jeff Owens says it will be a rare opportunity for area residents and collectors. “This is an amazing estate full of incredible quality,” he said. “You don’t often see things of this caliber.”

The sale will include mink and fur coats, tables full of unusual costume jewelry, including handmade sterling silver Mexican bracelets and necklaces, as well as vintage pocket watches.

Collectible coins and coin sets, art glass, porcelain and primitive artifacts are also included in the inventory.

Alexander, who was recognized for her long and successful career in interior decorating with a number of impressive local projects in her portfolio, was a prominent and popular hostess in her beautiful home on the South Hill. She died in September of last year.

Reminiscent of large dinner parties, the auction contents feature several sets of fine china, delicate crystal stemware and linens, as well as elaborate cut-glass vases and decanters.

Alexander’s niece, Laura Lee Shutz, said her aunt loved to entertain. “She lived in a beautiful Kirkland Cutter home, and many of the things in the house were purchased on her travels to Europe and all over the world.”

Twice widowed, Alexander’s first husband was Freemont L. South, branch manager at Sun Life Assurance Co., and her second husband Philip W. Alexander was the former general manager of The Bon Marche.

Alexander is perhaps best known as the woman who, in 1968, brought the first white swans to Manito Park. The swans were actually a gift from her husband, Philip, to the city, but Alexander remained a staunch supporter of the birds until her death.

A student at the Art Institute of Chicago and the School of Interior Design, Alexander was a devoted patron of the arts, and a talented artist in her own right. A founding member of WAMPUM – an organization that supports arts in Washington – Alexander volunteered for and supported many arts institutions such as the Spokane Symphony and the Friends of Manito.

Her estate also includes many oil paintings, bronzes and other works of art, some of which are by local artist Harold Balaze.

Fine antique furniture, including a massive carved sideboard and an assortment of oriental rugs and carpets, will also be available.

One standout is an 1820s French, Louis 14th cabinet, by Louis Andrew Boulle. “That piece was exhibited at the Crystal Palace in Great Britain in 1851,” Owens said. It comes with a letter of authenticity.

An 8-foot-tall Totem pole, carved by Dudley Carter, the same craftsman who carved the totems displayed at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair will also be offered.

Next Sunday, January 16, Owens Auctions will sell Alexander’s extensive collection of fine jewelry, including pearls, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, valued at more than half a million dollars.

That sale will include a $40,000 diamond tennis bracelet as well as Art Deco platinum pieces.

Owens says that as many as ten thousand pieces of clothing will be auctioned off at a later date.

“This is a big estate,” he said. “And people are going to be impressed.”

A woman known for her proper manners, style and grace, Alexander never disclosed her age.

“My aunt was a gracious, cultured woman,” Schutz said, “And she owned many, many, beautiful things.”