A Chinese cloisonne model of an ox and cart

A Chinese cloisonne model of an ox and cart
20th century
On stand.
overall height 16in (40.5cm); length 16in (40.5cm); width 9in (23cm)
Andrew Jones Auctions is delighted to offer a selection of property from the Collection of Edward and Mildred Lewis, Bel-Air, California. (Lots 1 – 101)

Edward Lewis (1919 –2019) was one of the most prolific and successful movie producers of the second half of the 20th century and was instrumental in breaking the Hollywood blacklist. Edward produced 33 films which garnered more than 50 awards, including 15 Oscars and Golden Globes, and over 90 other nominations. Born in Camden, New Jersey, he went on to attend Bucknell University at the age of 16, where he competed as a boxer and wrestler and belonged to the Jewish fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu. He served as a captain in World War II. In 1946, Edward moved Los Angeles, where he met and married Mildred Gerchik, a native of Brooklyn, New York. Edward and Mildred, who passed away three months prior to Edward, were married for 73 years.

Edward and Mildred began their careers in film and television in production. Mildred brought blacklisted writer Howard Fast’s novel Spartacus

to Edward’s attention while he was working for Byrna Productions, the film production company founded by Kirk Douglas. Edward and Kirk knew they needed blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo to write the screenplay. Edward devised a way not only for Trumbo to be hired to write but also receive onscreen credit for his work. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Spartacus

(1960) was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Picture as well as four Academy Awards. In their long careers, Edward and Mildred wrote and produced many screenplays, plays, musicals, and works of fiction both collaboratively and independently. Edward’s numerous film credits also include Grand Prix (1966), The Fixer

(1968) and Missing

(1982) which he co-produced with Mildred. Mildred’s best-known production credit is Harold and Maude

(1971).

Edward and Mildred were actively involved in a number of civil rights causes, working closely with Cesar Chavez to facilitate the purchase and establishment of the United Farmworkers of America's La Paz headquarters, hosting fundraisers, and organizing a Hollywood Bowl fundraiser for the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. Avid travelers and art collectors, they loaned part of their collection to LACMA for exhibition.
Condition Report: General marks, scratches, rubbing, spotting and oxidation overall. Cart somewhat loose. Now connected with fishing line.