Pepito Albert and Maurice Arcache’s estates headline Gavel&Block’s art+design sale

Gavel&Block’s October edition features a rare celebrity estate sale of Philippine fashion and high society’s beloved figures.

That Salcedo Auctions, through their subsidiary Gavel&Block, chose to pair fashion legend Pepito Albert and society doyen Maurice Arcache for a rare celebrity estate sale is an interesting, more so intriguing, choice.

“Pepito was the most media and camera-shy fashion star,” writes Apples Aberin—an observation that the late designer’s confidantes and acquaintances can attest to. It’s a demeanor that stands in contrast to Pepito’s landmark contributions to Philippine fashion, one that favored streamlined architectural designs that cut through the pervading preference for intricacy in the early ’90s.

Joseph Tecson
Joseph Tecson, Untitled (Portrait), Unsigned and undated, oil on canvas,152 x 92 cm (59 3/4 x 36 1/4 in)

Meanwhile, we can find Maurice in the opposite side of the spectrum. A pillar of Philippine society, most recognized for his stories (from the most mundane to the cheekily scandalous), Maurice was the life of the party, of society sections in newspapers and magazines, and everyone’s favorite palangga.

Salcedo Auctions PR Specialist Devi de Veyra raves about the “extra” panther bookend of Maurice Arcache.

Wouldn’t it be a treat, then, to get to know these prominent figures of Manila society more through the things they’ve loved and collected?

It’s a chance that one shouldn’t miss out on—on Saturday, October 21, take home curated picks from these storied connoisseurs, from an eclectic selection of artwork, furniture, books, and memorabilia.

Several other pieces take center stage in the October edition of art+design. Fancy a touch of nostalgia and whimsy? There are classic cartoon pieces waiting to be taken home. Lovers of contemporary surrealism can look forward to sculptures from Andres Barrioquinto. And not to be left out, purveyors of classic luxury can look forward to pieces that combine practicality and decadence.

Andres Barrioquinto, #Traveller, signed (on Artfair Philippines wooden plaque)
Andres Barrioquinto, #Traveller, signed (on Artfair Philippines wooden plaque) and dated 2020, mixed media sculpture, 72 x 91 x 53 cm (28 1/4 x 36 x 21 in)
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company, framed ‘Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’ animation cel. Marked with The Walt Disney Company seal (lower right). Serigraph, edition size: 2500, 15 x 33 cm (6 x 13 in). Illustration from Mickey Mouse, The Mail Pilot (1933) episode
Composite Binondo cabinet, 1st quarter, 20th century Manila. Narra wood, glass, satin brass pulls
Composite Binondo cabinet, 1st quarter, 20th century Manila. Narra wood, glass, satin brass pulls, 244 x 200 x 41 cm (95 1/4 x 78 2/3 x 16 1/4 in)

Gavel&Block’s ‘art+design: the estate sale’ online auction will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Access the online catalog via this link. Visit Salcedo Auctions’ official website, Facebook page, or Instagram account for more information.

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