Ted Turner's Western Art Collection Heads to Christie's Auction
Paintings from the mogul's Montana ranch will fund conservation efforts after his passing.
1Auctioning a Western Legacy
A significant collection of American Western art, formerly housed at Ted Turner's Flying D Ranch in Montana, is scheduled for auction at Christie’s in New York on January 20. These pieces, which previously adorned the media mogul’s log walls, reflect his lifelong fascination with the grandeur of the early American landscape.
2Masters of the Frontier
The collection features prominent works by American masters Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt. Notable paintings include a depiction of Yosemite Valley and the evocative piece titled Buffalo at Sunset. These artworks capture the Western wilderness as it existed before significant European settlement, emphasizing a sense of untouched, pristine natural perfection.
3Funding Conservation Efforts
Proceeds from the upcoming auction will be directed to the Turner Foundation. This organization focuses on preserving natural habitats and restoring native species, including the bison herds that currently roam Turner’s expansive 178-square-mile Montana property. The sale serves as a final act of support for his long-standing environmental conservation mission.
4A Vision of Perfection
According to his son, Teddy Turner, the mogul viewed these paintings as representations of a bygone era. Turner sought to replicate this untouched historical state on his own land, aiming to restore ecosystems where bison could roam freely. He demanded excellence in his surroundings, valuing expertise and perfection in every acquisition.
5From Media to Land
Although Ted Turner built his massive fortune by founding CNN in Atlanta, he became deeply captivated by the American West during the 1980s. He transitioned from a media mogul into one of the nation's largest landowners, eventually managing properties that support approximately 45,000 bison across his various holdings today.
6Personal Connection to Art
Teddy Turner noted that the paintings were central to their family life, often displayed prominently in the great rooms of their Montana ranch. While he expressed personal sadness regarding the removal of these iconic works, he acknowledged that the auction aligns with his father’s ultimate plans for the estate and foundation.
7The Mogul's Active Nature
Ted Turner was characterized as a man of constant action who preferred professional expertise over passive observation. He did not spend his time merely staring at his art collection; instead, he used his resources to actively restore natural environments. His life was defined by large-scale projects, from sailing to broadcasting.
8Legacy Beyond the Canvas
The sale of these paintings marks the end of an era for the Turner family home. While the physical art will be replaced, the impact of Turner’s conservation work remains on his vast Montana lands. The auction ensures that his passion for the American West continues to support environmental restoration efforts indefinitely.