Los Angeles, CA — John Moran Auctioneers’ Trusts & Estates team had an exciting year in 2024, showcasing their expertise, expanding their reach, and delivering exceptional service to clients across the spectrum of estate planning and management. From prestigious conferences to hands-on client work, the team’s dedication to excellence shone through at every turn.
Morgana Blackwelder, ISA AM, Senior Vice President, Fine Art Director & Mariam Whitten, Director of Appraisal Services, San Francisco
“To learn more about Trusts & Estates services or to schedule an appointment, contact Morgana at (626)628-9342 or email [email protected].”
A bronze figure of Chandeshvara Price Realized: $127,000
Summer saw Morgana Blackwelder, ISA AM, Director of Trusts & Estates, captivating audiences with her “G3” talk titled “Gardeners, Gifts, & Garbage,” revealing the hidden treasures that can lurk in unexpected places. These educational sessions proved to be a valuable tool for client engagement and awareness.
As autumn approached, the team made their debut at the 20th Annual Jerry A. Kasner Estate Planning Symposium in Santa Clara, with Director of Appraisal Services, Mariam Whitten, ISA AM, representing Moran’s and forging valuable connections. The team’s journey then took an exotic turn with a trip to Waikiki for the 61st Annual Hawaii Tax Institute. Here, Morgana alongside co-speakers Stephanie Downer of Buchalter Law Firm and David Beeton of Willis Towers Watson delivered an engaging lecture, “Wow, I Inherited a Picasso.” This collaborative presentation offered a comprehensive look at the complexities of inherited art, combining Morgana’s expertise in appraisals with Stephanie’s legal insights and David’s risk management acumen. The trio shared fascinating stories of surprising art discoveries and inheritances, providing attendees with a multi-faceted understanding of this niche area of estate planning.
To conclude the year, Moran’s acquired a remarkable time capsule luxury estate from a Hollywood socialite. This collection showcased decades of premier fashion brands, including Hermès, Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Prada, and others. The estate stood out as one of the year’s most memorable acquisitions, embodying the glamour and opulence of Hollywood’s golden age. It featured an impressive array of luxury items, encompassing handbags, clothing, accessories, and fine jewelry.
Chinese carved wood and hardstone panels Price Realized: $38,100
The Collection of Walter and Nesta Spink
John Moran Auctioneers presented The Traditional Collector, a two-day event featuring The Collection of Walter and Nesta Spink. Esteemed art historians and collectors, the Spinks assembled an extraordinary array of Asian art, particularly works connected to Walter’s research on early Buddhist art and the Ajanta Caves in India. Walter Spink’s academic contributions and Nesta Spink’s curatorial expertise made this collection a treasure trove of cultural history, now passed on to new stewards through Moran’s expertly managed auction
William Copley Haut Boy, 1970 Price Realized: $60,325
The Marmor Family Collection
Moran’s California Living sale, featured a vibrant exploration of the California aesthetic, headlined by the Marmor Family Collection. Dr. Judd Marmor and Dr. Katherine Marmor, prominent figures in the Los Angeles art scene, built an impressive collection of 1960s and 1970s modern and pop art prints. Their legacy continued through their son, Dr. Michael Marmor and his wife Jane, who expanded the collection with op art and indigenous pieces. This collection offered a glimpse into the Marmors’ discerning eye and their lasting contribution to contemporary art. The successful sale underscored Moran’s expertise in handling a time capsule of a collection.