Leslie Hindman

Our city is filled with fashionable collectors. On the following pages you will learn a different side to some of the city's biggest lovers of art including Kristen Skordilis, owner of Koros Art and Style, Leslie Hindman of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Sara Albrecht of Ultimo.

Leslie Hindman
With an extraordinary passion for the arts and an unparalleled business
acumen, Leslie Hindman is a true doyenne of the city’s auction house scene. Hindman is the president and ceo of her eponymous auction house in the West Loop Gallery District. After spending four years working for the luxury auction house Sotheby’s, Hindman audaciously opened her own house at the age of 27. Reflecting on this stunning position, Hindman speaks thoughtfully, “I guess I was too young in 1982 to realize what a risk I was taking – or I didn’t care. It didn’t seem like a bold move…or making a bold move didn’t bother me. I have always loved the auction business and knew that it was something that I would never get bored with.” She built her business for 16 years before felicitously selling it to her former employer, Sotherby’s.

She’s currently back at the helm of her own auction house, overseeing tremendously precious items including blockbuster sales such as the memorabilia from The Chicago Stadium before it was torn down, the
memorabilia from the old Comiskey Park, John Belushi’s estate, and all of
Mancow’s collectibles. Trumping even this impressive list, Hindman expertly handled the sale of a relatively unknown Van Gogh piece, a move which put her auction house in an elite category.

With tremendous experience selecting and stocking some of the most prestigious auctions in the city and the nation, Hindman’s life and work is intimately connected to the arts. In her early twenties, Hindman volunteered at the Museum of Contemporary Art and never missed a gallery opening. Continuing this benevolent championing of the arts, she is now a member of the Host Committee for Art Chicago. When asked about Art Chicago, Hindman replies with evident excitement, “I am thrilled with what they have accomplished! I, of course, will be attending.” She’s also looking forward to seeing her favorites at Art Chicago such as, “Tom McCormick, and also Novak
Contemporary Art from Los Angeles, and Forum Gallery from New York….They always do a wonderful installation.”

Back in her own auction house atelier, Hindman is preparing to sell some exciting couture items such as Leona Helmsleys’ ball gowns and wardrobe, a YSL evening ensemble from the late 1970s, several Christian Dior Couture cocktail ensembles, a number of wonderful Hermès handbags and other exotic skin bags.

With her exquisite auctions and insider knowledge of vintage, when questioned about her own wardrobe, Hindman modestly replied, “hummm...I always wear black.” Good taste never goes out of style.
-Kari Skaflen

Meet Sara Albrecht, owner of Ultimo, Click Here