User:Vannuyswarehouse/Los angeles modern auctions

Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) is the first auction house to specialize in vintage 20th Century modern design and fine art. Auctions are held two to three times a year in Van Nuys, CA and offer material ranging from furniture, lighting, sculpture, prints, photography, fine art, ceramics, to decorative arts.

Peter Loughrey founded LAMA in 1992. After moving to Los Angeles in 1988, he opened a vintage furniture gallery in 1989. Three years later he conducted his first auction on October 10, 1992, which featured 150 lots. In 1993 he closed the gallery to continue his education and work at Sotheby’s in London. Enrolling in Sotheby’s Works of Art Course in London, he apprenticed in the Vintage Car Department. Finishing in 1995 he married Shannon Carragher and together they moved to Los Angeles to re-open the auction house. On May 15, 1996 the two conducted their first joint auction at the Eric Owen Moss “Samatar” building in Culver City.

In 1999 LAMA began selling prints and paintings after winning the commission to liquidate the ARCO Corporate Art Collection. Notably, LAMA has carved a niche into the international market through milestone auctions dedicated to individual designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Laszlo, and R.M. Schindler.

Connie Koenenn (October 1999), Thoroughly Modern Milieu, LA Times, retrieved 01-21-2010