Charles & Patricia Lester, Three Devoré Toppers & One Silk Skirt

THE FIRST
Open-front floor-length robe in ombré-dyed ochre silk-blend satin devoré; floral motifs throughout. Elbow-length dolman sleeves. Satin edging at front. No closures. Unlined.
With floor-length bias-cut skirt in ombré-dyed ochre silk chiffon. Elasticated waistband. Unlined.

Label: Charles and Patricia Lester
Size Label: Unmarked
Date: 2000's
Country of Origin: Wales

TOP
Shoulders: 17“
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 19“
Chest: 64“
Waist: 62“
Hips: 62“
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 51“

SKIRT
Waist: 29-36“
Hips: 48“
Length (side waistband to hem): 44“

THE SECOND
Duster in black silk-blend velvet devoré; semi-sheer. Kimono-style sleeves. Two hook-and-eye closures at front waist. Unlined.

Label: Charles and Patricia Lester
Size Label: Unmarked
Date: 2000's
Country of Origin: Wales

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 22“
Sleeve: 31“
Chest: 50“
Waist: 40“
Hips: 50“+
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 58"

THE THIRD
Knee-length open-front duster jacket in black silk-blend velvet devoré. Shawl collar. Kimono sleeves. No closures at front. Unlined.

Label: Charles and Patricia Lester
Size Label: Unmarked
Date: 2000's
Country of Origin: Wales

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 19“
Sleeve: 30“
Chest: 58“
Waist: 58“
Hips: 60“
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 41“

From the Collection of Chicago Civic Leader Maureen Dwyer Smith

This lot is located in Chicago.

Freeman’s | Hindman is proud to offer the Couture Collection of Maureen Dywer Smith. Mrs. Smith was an accomplished civic leader and a devoted supporter of her family and many friends. Maureen was born in New York City on February 7, 1945, and grew up in New Rochelle, NY. She graduated from the Ursuline School before earning a B.A. in Painting and Studio Art from Newton College of the Sacred Heart in 1966. After college, she pursued graduate studies at The New School for Social Research in New York, focusing on the linguistic philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.

She began her professional career in advertising at Benton & Bowles in New York. In 1968, she joined American Heritage Publishing Company (Horizon Books) as an associate editor, where she researched and contributed to the writing and editing of seventeen art and history books, covering topics as diverse as Colonial America, Russia, and China.

In 1974, Maureen married Edward B. (“E.B.”) Smith, Jr., and moved to Chicago. They shared a loving and devoted marriage for over 50 years. While in Chicago, Maureen began a new career as a retail consultant, primarily with Marshall Field & Co., and dedicated herself to civic leadership. She served as Chair of the Board of the Joffrey Ballet, where she also founded its Women’s Board. Her leadership was widely credited with helping to establish a sound financial and managerial foundation for the Joffrey.

Maureen’s dedication to the arts and education extended to numerous other institutions. She was a Trustee of the Field Museum, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and After School Matters. She also co-authored 100 Masterpieces, the Art Institute of Chicago’s centennial publication. Additionally, she served on the Women’s Boards of the Field Museum, the Art Institute, Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern University, the Alliance Française, the Goodman Theatre, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Her commitment to civic engagement earned her shared awards from the Harvard Club of Chicago and DePaul University.

A voracious reader and passionate lover of art and literature, Maureen and her husband built significant collections of contemporary glass paperweights and American paintings, as well as secular and religious stained-glass windows spanning eight centuries. Much of their collection is now housed in Chicago museums.

Maureen was known for her kindness and unwavering support of those with whom she worked. She was deeply respected for her integrity, fairness, and ability to listen and thoughtfully resolve conflicts. Her leadership left a lasting impact on the institutions she served. Despite her numerous accomplishments, Maureen’s greatest joy was her family.