Turner Auctions + Appraisals is very pleased to present The Gladyne K. Mitchell Estate on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:30 am PDT. Presenting items mostly from the 17th-20th centuries, the auction features a wide array of art, decorative arts, silver, furniture, ancient Greek and Roman coins, vintage toys, and more from the personal collection and residence of the well-known San Francisco philanthropist and socialite. A few lots from other estates round out the auction.
Gladyne K. Mitchell’s collection of artworks in various media such as oil, watercolor, and gouache includes works by Margaret Keane, Mark Stork, Adrienne Sherman, Rembrandt Van Rijn, Abel Dominique Boye, and other noted artists. The extensive selection of decorative arts is diverse, with religious and devotional items, painted miniatures, Native American and tribal works, boxes of various types, vintage textiles, Asian arts, Murano figures and vases, Royal Doulton jugs, Majolica pieces, and candlesticks and prickets. Among the many silver items, most of them sterling, are tableware, serving ware, and silverware. Furniture lots include small tables, a mirror, slipper chairs, and a child’s rocking chair. Groupings of vintage lots offer cameras, games, toys, dolls, books, and cookie jars. Some vintage watches, buckles, and jewelry complete the sale.
About Gladyne K. Mitchell
Born and bred in San Francisco, Gladyne Kenderdine Mitchell (1940-2024) was the daughter of Mitchel and Emma Mitchell, a hardworking, industrious, and successful family whose efforts have contributed meaningfully to the betterment of San Francisco and beyond. Educated in the United States, Switzerland, and Italy, Gladyne graduated with degrees in art history and music. Returning to the U.S., she taught kindergarten for several years. Subsequently, following in her family’s real estate footsteps, she worked for her father in property management, then managed her properties after her parents’ deaths.
Gladyne enjoyed traveling and learning other languages, fine dining and wine, and helping others. Well-known in San Francisco society, she was a patron of the arts and a generous benefactor of many charities and organizations, saying “I give to things that I love.” Among those in San Francisco who were recipients of her largesse were the symphony, opera, museums, hospitals, historical preservation, educating underprivileged children, and feeding the hungry in San Francisco.
According to her devoted family and friends, Gladyne was a “class act” who loved art, jewelry, antiques, and beautiful things; these included sumptuous fine jewelry, refined clothing, and chic accessories, many by celebrated designers. The upcoming July 17 sale now opens the doors to her gracious San Francisco home, and invites others to view, acquire, and enjoy her tasteful possessions.
