Which work do you regret not buying when
you had the chance?
r. Vin Lee is managing director of a modest family office founded in Beverly Hills, CA almost two
decades ago. Grand Metropolitan owns and operates a $7 billion portfolio of 130 luxury brands. Over a 30 year
career, he has built a local fine jeweler into one of the largest privately-held luxury groups in the world behind
industry giants LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, Kering S.A., and Compagnie Financière Richemont SA.
Finlay Enterprises is the largest privately-held jewelry group in North America with 20 of the TOP 50 retail
jewelers of the last century. Heilig-Meyers Furniture was once the largest home furnishing retailers in the world
that today includes Rhodes Furniture, Room Store, plus Sterchi Brothers and Wickes Furniture. The later two
were also world leaders in their respective markets before being acquired by Heilig-Meyers. Those businesses
have each earned more than $100 Billion since their inception.
We also maintain dozens of local and regional brands in the world of luxury. Pushkin Caviar is arguably our
greatest success in this aspect having become a preferred accoutremont to the VIP, event, and charity auction
crowd. The Beverly Hills Cigar Club has been awarded the honor of TOP 5 must have private memberships by
Playboy Magazine as well as LOUIXS, our private label cigar as TOP 8 in the world. Both LOUIXS and Pushkin
are not available publicly. In addition, Gallery Rodeo manages and maintains the Rodeo Collection, over 100
works of fine art as well as participates in auctions with Christies, Sotheby’s, and private estates.
What is your preferred way of buying art?
Vin Lee: I don’t always have the opportunity to
participate in the events and transactions I would like.
Gallery Rodeo managers the Rodeo Collection of just
about 100 pieces in my personal care. Anyone can
visit with Sotheby’s or Christie’s and bid on art. I really
enjoy circumstances where the process is unique and
helps someone. On occasion, you will find a piece you
are passionate about that the proceeds go to benefit
someone in need. We acquired an early Auguste
Rodin that went to help finance a children’s hospital.
If money was no object, what would be
your dream purchase?
We have been fortunate to have wonderful examples
of some of the most talented and iconic artists of the
last several hundred years. I think if money was of no
concern, I would like to acquire ‘Fishermen at Sea’,
Joseph Mallord William Turner. It has been owned by
the Tate Gallery for almost half a century. A few years
ago we came across a Klimt at auction. It was a stellar
moment. A close runner up to the Turner would be
‘The Kiss’, Gustav Klimt. But I would have a hard time
keeping either piece to myself. They should be out
there in the world for all to share for generations.
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A few years ago, I was in the middle of a complicated
negotiation for Pablo Picasso’s Suite Vollard. We
weren’t sure how high bidding was going to go. At
the same time I came across a conversation personally
for the opportunity to acquire a small gathering of 6
Pissarro’s from a private collection. Because I don’t
believe in debt both personally or professionally I
was not in a position to compromise the Picasso
transaction in lieu of the Pissarro’s and lost them by
the end of the phone call.
Which of your works requires the most
maintenance? Which artists would you invite to your
dream dinner party?
Much of Rodeo Collection are paintings with only a
small selection is sculpture, like the Rodin. But a lot
of people don’t realize how expensive it can be to
manage a collection like this. It requires a great deal
of care and consideration. Temperature and exposure
to elements like sunlight have to be considered at
all times. But the most significant concern, along
with expense, is security. These works of art have
to be protected from fire, water, earthquakes, and
hurricanes not to mention unsavory intentions. Honestly, most of the artists I would enjoy meeting
have all passed on. Perhaps because I have been
fortunate to have met a great many of the living
talents of our time. Rodeo Collection is composed
of dozens of named fine artists that are no longer
with us. I would love to have had tea with Canadian
folk painter Maud Lewis. I think she would have been
a delight to have met. They recently made a movie
about her life and that alone made a profound impact
on my life.
What is the most surprising place you have
displayed a work? What is the best collecting advice you have
been given?
We had offices in Los Angeles that were about
22,000 sf over the years had been decorated with
oversized corporate art. I really enjoy working around
my favorite pieces and will routinely switch pieces out
in my office. I opened up a private jewelry showroom
in my house in Holmby Hills, a posh Los Angeles
community near the Playboy Mansion.
Thirteen
custom made birds eye maple display counters were
surrounded by various works of art hung in the two
story 2,300 sf gallery. Guests coming to select fine
jewelry for various red carpet and charity events
would be also greeted by works by iconic artists. I
would have enjoyed displaying our collection at the
Beverly Hills Cigar Club, but it isn’t ideal conditions.
We did keep the Klimt on display in the wine room
because it was the most secure location with the very
best atmospherics. The best advice I have gotten about fine art was more
by example than an actual conversation. I had the
pleasure of meeting Alfred A. Taubman, chairman of
Sotheby’s early in my career. His offices were down
the street from mine. Making a business out of art
rather than keeping it a private interest.
Are philanthropists born or made?
Philanthropy is a complicated animal. There is much
more to it than just writing checks to people that
are in need. You want to help everyone you can.
Sometimes you can do more by encouraging friends
and associates. The key to remember is that whether
an employer or employee we are all parts of the
community we serve.
For more information on MR. VIN LEE please visit:
www.GalleryRodeo.com
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