Visionary Women's Art Collection Hits Auction Block

The Stream Family Collection, a testament to the discerning tastes of businesswoman Matilda Geddings Gray and her niece Matilda Gray Stream, is set to be auctioned at Christie's in New York. Gray, who defied convention by leading her family's oil and timber business starting in 1921, also developed a passion for collecting art, Fabergé objects, and jewelry.

Her companion and protégée, Gray Stream, inherited and expanded upon this collection, preserving their shared legacy across generations. This significant assemblage, part of which is now being offered, represents one of the United States' most remarkable private collections.

Nearly 400 lots will be available through live and online sales scheduled from June 2 to June 17. Highlights include approximately 40 Fabergé works, such as a silver rhinoceros automaton and a gold cup, and nearly 200 pieces of jewelry.

Notable jewelry includes a Tiffany & Co. Art Deco bracelet with large Colombian emeralds and a Cartier necklace. A significant 49.91-carat diamond ring is also among the featured items. The collection also boasts fine art, including a bronze sculpture by Edgar Degas and a painting by Diego Rivera.

Matilda Geddings Gray, who died in 1971, was also recognized for her philanthropy and preservation efforts, including restoring historic buildings in Louisiana. Her unique approach to collecting, characterized by confidence and a willingness to take risks, is evident in her early acquisition of Fabergé pieces when the artist was less known in the U.S.

The sale offers a rare glimpse into the personal passions and shrewd acquisitions of two pioneering women who shaped a legacy through art and business.