The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused widespread devastation, including the destruction of homes belonging to celebrities and influential figures, which has significantly impacted the awards season. As the fires continue to be assessed, reports are emerging of irreplaceable artistic works lost in the flames, such as music files, paintings, and memorabilia. Art insurers are anticipating this to be one of the most significant art losses in American history, with Simon de Burgh Codrington, managing director of Risk Strategies, calling it “substantial and possibly one of the most impactful art losses ever.”
Among the biggest losses were historic properties, such as the Andrew McNally House, a Queen Anne-style mansion from 1887, and the Zane Grey Estate, the home of the famous novelist, both destroyed in the Eaton fires. The Palisades fire also claimed the former home of jazz singer Anne Keeler.
The fires also affected influential figures in the music and arts worlds. An influential hip-hop producer lost decades of music and equipment in the fire, while Larry Schoenberg, whose home was also destroyed, lost an estimated 100,000 music scores, many of which were written by his father, the modernist composer Arnold Schoenberg. The loss also included personal letters, photographs, and books, and despite digital backups, they were lost due to the fire. Larry called the loss “brutal.”
The late writer Gary Indiana’s personal library was also destroyed, including rare signed editions and art books. His collection had just been moved to a new house in Altadena, which was to be turned into an artist residence, but was lost in the blaze.
Art collector Ron Rivlin suffered an immense loss, with millions of dollars worth of art destroyed when his Pacific Palisades home burned down. His collection included approximately 30 works by Andy Warhol, including iconic Campbell’s soup can prints and Warhol’s “Myths” series. Rivlin’s total loss included over 200 works, including pieces by Keith Haring and Damien Hirst. However, he managed to take three Warhols with him when he evacuated, though the rest of his collection was destroyed.
