CHARLOTTE, NC -- Laura Bostwick, a native of Long Island, New York and the Outer Banks of North Carolina was a woman of varied interests and talents. Born in Old Westbury, New York to G.H. “Pete” and Laura Curtis Bostwick, she was the great granddaughter of Jabez Bostwick, a founder and the first Treasurer of Standard Oil.
Laura attended the Green Vale School, Foxcroft and Hunter College. After marrying artist Bob Benson, the couple moved to the Outer Banks, following the advice of her close friend Jasper Johns. There, Laura commissioned a series of four Buckminster Fuller geodesic domes to be built on a dune above the beach at Nags Head, one of the domes an artist’s studio.
Entertaining with flair, Laura was well-known for her gourmet cooking, so much so that chef and food editor Craig Claiborne devoted a chapter to her in one of his cookbooks. A close friend of many art world notables including John Cage and Merce Cunningham, her circle extended to people from all walks of life. She cherished them and was an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know her.
Having grown up in the rarefied world of polo playing and horseback riding – her father, once a top polo player in the country – Laura’s passion was for the animals themselves – French Bulldogs were her favorite. Perhaps her most impressive talent was realized far out at sea, where she at one time held the women’s world record for a White Marlin. She also held a North Carolina record for a Blue Marlin, the 656 pound fish was mounted and displayed on her trophy room wall.
Laura’s house was that of a collector and an entertainer. Walls and shelves held taxidermied wildlife including a swordfish and Freud, her childhood parrot. The rooms displayed a variety of pottery, china, silver, photography and art including five works by Jasper Johns which she bequeathed to the Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina.
Important Jewelry
Auction October 21, 2021 at Noon
Palm Beach Preview: Oct 5-7, 208 Brazilian Ave, Palm Beach, FL, [email protected]
New York Exhibition: Oct 16-18
Lot 198
An Important Diamond
Marquise-shaped diamond, 8.34 carats, D color, VS1 clarity.
Est. $300,000 - $500,000
View Lot & Place Bids
Additional property from the Estate of Laura Bostwick will be offered in the auction of Fine Jewelry on October 20, 2021
