It is the distinct honor of Freeman’s | Hindman to present the private collection of the late former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright across a sequence of live and online sales this May.
Featuring a range of personal property, from her distinctive pins to the beautiful fine and decorative arts that populated her Georgetown home and her offices, The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright shines a spotlight on the collecting sensibilities of this deeply influential national and international icon.
“Madeleine Albright’s name and career are synonymous with reaching a pinnacle of female achievement” says Gretchen Hause, Senior Vice President, Co-Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts. “Presenting her biography in objects at auction is a professional and personal honor, and will no doubt excite new generations of global citizens.”
Extraordinary Legacy, Trailblazing Style
Madeleine K. Albright lived a life of service and leadership. She was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1993 and shattered a glass ceiling when she was sworn in as the nation’s first female Secretary of State in 1997, becoming at the time the highest serving woman in the history of the United States government. Fiercely committed to democracy and human rights, Albright championed America’s alliances, promoted the expansion of NATO, supported non-proliferation efforts, and supported the expansion of free trade. Secretary Albright received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, in 2012.
During her trailblazing diplomatic career, Secretary Albright discovered the power of jewelry to convey foreign policy messages. Before long, she began selecting appropriate pins to communicate her point of view. As shared in her book Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box, she deployed pins within her “personal diplomatic arsenal” to express her hopes, mood, and often a pointed message. She donated a collection of her pins to the National Museum of American Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, but Freeman’s | Hindman is delighted to offer at auction many other signature pins and jewelry that she wore throughout her life – including those worn at celebrated events and special occasions. Also available are selections of decorative objects, fine porcelain, silver, and books that she collected during her travels around the world.
Bring Home Part of Her Story
The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright presents the singular opportunity to acquire some of the objects that Albright wore, lived with, and treasured throughout her life.
Standout highlights include many of Albright’s hallmark pins; diplomatic and political memorabilia; historical books; designer scarves, hats, and handbags; and, antique furniture and decorative objects.
Exhibitions:
Chicago
2-9 April 2024
Monday-Friday 10 am – 4 pm
1550 West Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60607
New York
2-6 May 2024
Monday-Friday 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday 4 May, 11 am – 4 pm
32 East 67 Street, New York, NY 10065
Auctions
Live Auction, 7 May 2024, 10 am ET
Online Auction, 8 May 2024 10 am CT
32 East 67 Street, New York, NY 10065
Head of Sale
Gretchen Hause
Press Inquiries
Thomas Brown