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Rest in Peace, Robin Williams (Actor, Comedian, Glass Collector)

 

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Robin Williams this week. A great talent, gone so early and under such tragic circumstances.

A funny little fact that I love about Williams is that he was a glass collector – or at least, he collected glass works by the great Dale Chihuly. According to an old article in The Seattle Times, the two met in Virginia in the ‘90s; and before they parted ways, Williams bought four pieces by Chihuly. Around that same time, rumors flew about a commission for a Chihuly sculpture installation at the bottom of Williams’ swimming pool, perhaps inspired by Chihuly’s installation in the pool at his Boathouse in Seattle. (I don’t know if such an installation ever happened for Williams, but either way, the alluring idea spread – in 2010, Neiman Marcus included a $1.5m Chihuly pool sculpture installation as a “Fantasy Gift” in its Christmas Book.)

So Mr. Williams brought barrels of laughter to the world – and also, unbeknownst to many, he had an appreciation for glass art. He was a generous soul on so many different levels throughout his 63 years of life; may he now rest in peace.