Modern
About
The designers, architects, and artists of the middle of the 20th century onward created the material expression of how the world was fundamentally changed after WWII. Charles and Ray Eames, George Nakashima, Le Corbusier, Harry Bertoia, Miles Baughman, Arne Jacobsen - the work of these and many more both defined their era and became instant, timeless classics. The Leland Little Modern Art & Design Department showcases iconic pieces from this period of accelerating innovation that propelled us into the 21st century.
Contact
Luke Newbold
Auctioneer; Furniture, Modern & Glass Director
luke@lelandlittle.com
Luke Newbold has worked in the auction industry since 2001. He holds a BA in Art History and previously completed an internship at the Biltmore Estate. As a generalist with a specific focus on furniture and glass, Luke enjoys expanding his knowledge of North Carolina’s rich history as the furniture capital. He has spearheaded the modern department and is dedicated to bringing North Carolina modernism to market, with interests ranging from the NC Modernist organization to the craft and artists of Penland to the work of Jon Kuhn. Luke also earned his auctioneering license in 2012.
Current and Upcoming Auctions
Upcoming: Modern & Contemporary Auction
Apr 30, 2026, 12:00pm
Exceptional Results
Explore Recent Stories
A Promise Kept: The Extraordinary Life of Mary Ann Scherr
"She inspired so many of today's jewelers with her way of thinking, way of looking, and way of being." - Randy Scherr
A Collector's Eye: Collecting Fine Craft Jewelry with Mignon Durham
"Many of the pieces are functional, but most of all, they elevate our living experience and celebrate our cultures." - Mignon Durham, Collector of Fine Crafts, Former Board Chair at Penland School of Craft
A Studio Visit with Ena Swansea
"There's something about the fluidity and just the beauty of black and white lines -- as a picture that has an idea in it -- and then you can put contemporary vital painting on top of that and you've got this kinda DJ mash up that's something new." - Ena Swansea, artist
Modern Art & Architecture in North Carolina
"Most people don't know that North Carolina is the third largest concentration of modernist houses in the nation." - George Smart, Founder & CEO of NCModernist
The Art of Rufino Tamayo
"Looking at Tamayo's graphic works, you feel as if you're getting a glimpse into a rich and sacred history of Mexico, and it's really almost other worldy." - Lauren Sanford, Prints & Multiples/ Photographs Director
Gallery Walkthrough: Modern & Contemporary Auction
Explore our Modern & Contemporary Auction with Luke Newbold, Claire Fraser, and Brian Kuebler
A Studio Visit with Jon Kuhn
Vision, Precision, Magic
Stories Within The Pilloff Collection
"The artists...are very connected to their pieces. The spirituality and the mindfulness and the intent are there within the piece and when it speaks to you, if you listen, you say, ‘that’s something that I want to live with.’” - Francine Pilloff, Contemporary Glass and Art Collector
North Carolina Artists in the Modern & Contemporary Auction
Join us for a gallery tour and discover the breadth of North Carolina artists in our Modern & Contemporary Auction.
Walkthrough of the Modern & Contemporary Auction
“The Modern & Contemporary Auction is an eclectic yet curated sale focusing on modern classics and designers from Charles and Ray Eames to Jon Kuhn and introduces new artists to the market.” - Luke Newbold, Modern & Glass Director
Gallery Walkthrough with Brian Kuebler
Explore Our Modern & Contemporary and Prints & Multiples Auctions
Gallery Walkthrough with Luke Newbold
Explore the Modern & Contemporary and Prints & Multiples Auctions.
Fall Modern & Contemporary Auction Walkthrough
Forward Thinking Artists in the Fall Modern & Contemporary Auction
Gallery Walkthrough of the Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction
Explore our Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction.
Audio Systems in the Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction
For your inner audiophile — enjoy the high fidelity sounds of the Summer Modern & Contemporary Auction.
Spring Modern Art & Design Walkthrough
Trailblazing Art and Artists
Winter Modern Art & Design Gallery Walkthrough
North Carolina Artists in Modern Art & Design
Tour of The Signature Winter Auction
Sunlight dances through our gallery in anticipation of our Signature Winter Auction this Saturday, December 3rd.
Unboxing: The Worlds of Paul Stankard
“By blending mysticism with magical realism, I work to express organic credibility through my botanical interpretations. Crafted in glass, I reference the continuum of nature and celebrate on an intimate level her primal beauty.” — Paul J. Stankard
An Evening of Modern Art & Design at Leland Little
It was a night full of modern art, timeless design, and good company.
An Insider's Look: Steuben Glass Throughout the Decades
The United Nations declared 2022 to be the International Year of Glass. Aligned with their vision to celebrate the past, present, and future of this material, our Modern Design & Glass Director, Luke Newbold, walks us through a collection of Steuben glass from the early to mid 20th century.
The Finer Points: North Carolina Art Across the Centuries
The blest land, the best land, the Old North State! - Leonora Monteiro Martin
Special Feature with Luke Newbold
Spin, sparkle, repeat.
7 Exhibited Artists to Buy in Spring Modern Art & Design
From solo exhibitions at MoMA to current showings at Nasher Museum’s Reckoning and Resilience; artists in our May 19th Spring Modern Art & Design auction have impressive CV’s.
An Insider's Look: Gustav Stickley
Simplicity, Honesty in Construction, and Truth to Materials
Humility, Concentration, Perseverance…and Talent
When I start a project, I have a rough idea in mind, but it really is a joint venture between the bamboo and myself. It could be a friendly partnership, or it could be a battle. Whichever the case may be, dialogue with the material and constant adjustments by the artist are essential to every part of the process. – Morigami Jin, 2018
A Catalyst of Ideas
"Diego was a catalyst in the literal sense of the word: something that precipitates or facilitates a change" (Raymond Foye, The Brooklyn Rail)
Statement Seating: The Modern Sofa
In modern life, the sofa is the center of family life, the home theater, the conversation pit, the remote office, the place we relocate to when the bed isn’t working out.
How to Use Steel and Be Fancy (just a little bit)
Marcel Breuer really, really loved his bicycle. So much so, in fact, that he used it as the inspiration for his signature furniture. Nearly a hundred years later, we have to say it seems he was on to something.
Living on the Live Edge
Whether in life or in craft, for George Nakashima the imperfections made all the difference.
Infiltrating the Mainstream: How Two American Artists Centered the Edges
Teak in Danish Modern Design
Mexican Art in The Collection of Mr. Duggins and Mr. Dunn
The Estate of the Late Edward and Violet Kleitz, Cary, North Carolina
The Eames House - Timeless Design
Don Neiser
