Alex Cooper Auctioneers is pleased to offer the first of many auctions featuring the estate of Linda McRae Noe Laine, a noted philanthropist who had many diverse passions and interests. A native of Monroe, Louisiana, Mrs. Laine was the daughter of James Albert Noe, Sr., who served as governor of Louisiana in 1936.
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- Mrs. Laine had a deep interest in Ancient Near Eastern archaeology, Biblical studies and modern Chinese government. Her interest in different faith traditions and culture influenced her international travels to Iraq, Sri Lanka, China, Israel, India and Japan. Combining her love of culture with her interest in philanthropy, she contributed to several charitable projects and endowments including the renovation of Westminster Abbey, an annual lecture at the British Museum on the topic of religious traditions on the Middle East, and a professorship in the Government Department at Harvard University titled the “Governor James Albert Noe and Linda Noe Laine Professor of China in World Affairs.”
Mrs. Laine held scholarly interests in the flow of ideas and artistic expressions from Central Asia to the West through historical trade routes, migration and military travels. The mixing of cultures influenced her taste and collection. She particularly treasured hand-made crafts and objects. She admired the technical skill, artistry and vision of craftspeople and held a fine appreciation of raw materials such as metals, wood and stone.
She held her friendship with Major General Claire Lee Chennault in high esteem and made the acquaintance of many notable individuals during her travels and philanthropic endeavors including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Chiang Kai-shek and Queen Elizabeth II.
Click here for bidding and complete auction listings. The auction will take place Friday, August 28th at noon.
Lisa Jones
Director of Silver and Decorative Arts
Lisa@alexcooper.com