Modern
About
The designers, architects, and artists of the middle of the 20th century onward created the material expression of how the world was fundamentally changed after WWII. Charles and Ray Eames, George Nakashima, Le Corbusier, Harry Bertoia, Miles Baughman, Arne Jacobsen - the work of these and many more both defined their era and became instant, timeless classics. The Leland Little Modern Art & Design Department showcases iconic pieces from this period of accelerating innovation that propelled us into the 21st century.
Contact
Luke Newbold
Auctioneer; Furniture, Modern & Glass Director
luke@lelandlittle.com
Luke Newbold’s very first job at the age of 14 was at an auction house and he’s been hooked ever since. Luke received a BA in Art History from the University of North Carolina Asheville. He spent time working with Museum Services at the Biltmore House, but returned to auction work because he enjoys the constantly changing subject matter. He has had a lifelong interest in art glass, and is drawn to the avant garde designs of Modernism. Luke earned his auctioneering license in 2012.
Current and Upcoming Auctions
The Contemporary Art Collection of Francine & Benson Pilloff, Chapel Hill, NC
Jan 16, 2025, 10:00am
Upcoming: Modern & Contemporary Auction
Jan 30, 2025, 10:00am
Prints & Photographs Auction
Jan 31, 2025, 10:00am
January Estate Auction
Jan 23, 2025, 10:00am
Exceptional Results
Explore Recent Stories
Stories Within The Pilloff Collection
"The artists...are very connected to their pieces. The spirituality and the mindfulness and the intent are there within the piece and when it speaks to you, if you listen, you say, ‘that’s something that I want to live with.’” - Francine Pilloff, Contemporary Glass and Art Collector
North Carolina Artists in the Modern & Contemporary Auction
Join us for a gallery tour and discover the breadth of North Carolina artists in our Modern & Contemporary Auction.
Walkthrough of the Modern & Contemporary Auction
“The Modern & Contemporary Auction is an eclectic yet curated sale focusing on modern classics and designers from Charles and Ray Eames to Jon Kuhn and introduces new artists to the market.” - Luke Newbold, Modern & Glass Director
Gallery Walkthrough with Brian Kuebler
Explore Our Modern & Contemporary and Prints & Multiples Auctions
Gallery Walkthrough with Luke Newbold
Explore the Modern & Contemporary and Prints & Multiples Auctions.
Fall Modern & Contemporary Auction Walkthrough
Forward Thinking Artists in the Fall Modern & Contemporary Auction
Gallery Walkthrough of the Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction
Explore our Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction.
Audio Systems in the Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction
For your inner audiophile — enjoy the high fidelity sounds of the Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction.
Spring Modern Art & Design Walkthrough
Trailblazing Art and Artists
Winter Modern Art & Design Gallery Walkthrough
North Carolina Artists in Modern Art & Design
Tour of The Signature Winter Auction
Sunlight dances through our gallery in anticipation of our Signature Winter Auction this Saturday, December 3rd.
Unboxing: The Worlds of Paul Stankard
“By blending mysticism with magical realism, I work to express organic credibility through my botanical interpretations. Crafted in glass, I reference the continuum of nature and celebrate on an intimate level her primal beauty.” — Paul J. Stankard
An Evening of Modern Art & Design at Leland Little
It was a night full of modern art, timeless design, and good company.
An Insider's Look: Steuben Glass Throughout the Decades
The United Nations declared 2022 to be the International Year of Glass. Aligned with their vision to celebrate the past, present, and future of this material, our Modern Design & Glass Director, Luke Newbold, walks us through a collection of Steuben glass from the early to mid 20th century.
The Finer Points: North Carolina Art Across the Centuries
The blest land, the best land, the Old North State! - Leonora Monteiro Martin
Special Feature with Luke Newbold
Spin, sparkle, repeat.
7 Exhibited Artists to Buy in Spring Modern Art & Design
From solo exhibitions at MoMA to current showings at Nasher Museum’s Reckoning and Resilience; artists in our May 19th Spring Modern Art & Design auction have impressive CV’s.
A Moment With: Luke Newbold
Spend a moment with Luke Newbold, Director of Modern Design & Glass and listen as he describes the artistry and story behind Richard Jolley's modern glass sculpture, Translucent #7 . This spectacular work will be offered in our Spring Modern Art & Design on Thursday, May 19th.
An Insider's Look: Gustav Stickley
Simplicity, Honesty in Construction, and Truth to Materials
Humility, Concentration, Perseverance…and Talent
When I start a project, I have a rough idea in mind, but it really is a joint venture between the bamboo and myself. It could be a friendly partnership, or it could be a battle. Whichever the case may be, dialogue with the material and constant adjustments by the artist are essential to every part of the process. – Morigami Jin, 2018
A Catalyst of Ideas
"Diego was a catalyst in the literal sense of the word: something that precipitates or facilitates a change" (Raymond Foye, The Brooklyn Rail)
Statement Seating: The Modern Sofa
In modern life, the sofa is the center of family life, the home theater, the conversation pit, the remote office, the place we relocate to when the bed isn’t working out.
How to Use Steel and Be Fancy (just a little bit)
Marcel Breuer really, really loved his bicycle. So much so, in fact, that he used it as the inspiration for his signature furniture. Nearly a hundred years later, we have to say it seems he was on to something.
Living on the Live Edge
Whether in life or in craft, for George Nakashima the imperfections made all the difference.
Infiltrating the Mainstream: How Two American Artists Centered the Edges
Teak in Danish Modern Design
Mexican Art in The Collection of Mr. Duggins and Mr. Dunn
The Estate of the Late Edward and Violet Kleitz, Cary, North Carolina
The Eames House - Timeless Design
Don Neiser
