LOS ANGELES.- On June 29, thirteen Navajo weavings once owned by Andy Williams will be sold at Bonhams Native American Art sale in Los Angeles. Leading the group is a Navajo Late Classic Second Phase chief's blanket from a private New Mexico Collection. This wonderful example was included in the exhibition "Navajo Weavings from the Andy Williams Collection," which took place at the Saint Louis Art Museum from October 26, 1997 – January 4, 1998. It is estimated at $40,000 – 60,000. The additional 12 weavings come to Bonhams from the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Fresh to market, Williams donated this collection to the institution in 1977 and they have been a part of the museum’s permanent collection for over 40 years; a number of them were on exhibition from 1989 to 1990. All 12 are being sold to benefit the Acquisition Fund of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Bonhams Director of Native American Art Ingmars Lindbergs commented, “Our June Native American Art auction features a wide range of wonderful objects of the highest quality. The group of textiles once owned by the legendary singer and famed collector Andy Williams presents buyers with the rare opportunity to own authentic Navajo weavings that are not only museum-quality, but also of the finest provenance.”

Andy Williams was a lifelong entertainer. Though best remembered for his signature hit Moon River, Williams was a prolific artist, actively working for over 70 years and recording 43 albums over the span of his life. He holds the records for hosting the most Grammy telecasts, having hosted seven consecutive times, and was nominated for six of the awards himself. His eponymous variety television show was a mainstay in American households throughout the 60s and 70s, winning him three Emmys. In 1992, Williams opened the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri and decorated the walls with his eclectic art collection. Here, examples of his prized Native American textiles were placed alongside work from post-war masters including Helen Frankenthaler, Richard Diebenkorn, and Jackson Pollock. Between 1975 and 1985, Williams avidly built out his collection of Native American blankets and weavings, often taking advice on his purchases from friend and fellow crooner, Billy Pierson. In 1998, the Saint Louis Art Museum mounted an exhibition dedicated entirely to Williams’ extensive Navajo weaving collection.