Late Arts Patron Leaves Big Gift to the Huntington Library

How much: a bequest of at least $95-million

Who gave it: Frances Lasker Brody, whose late husband, Sidney, was a real-estate developer in Los Angeles. Ms. Brody died last November at age 93.

Who got it: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, in San Marino, Calif. Ms. Brody earmarked $15-million for support of the institution’s gardens; the rest will be used to finance operations over time. The amount of the gift will probably increase once Ms. Brody’s Los Angeles home, a mid-century modern landmark currently on the market for $21-million, is sold along with other valuables she owned and the proceeds are channeled to the library.

The donor’s connection to the institution: Ms. Brody was a member of its Board of Overseers for 20 years.

About the donor: Ms. Brody was the daughter of Albert Lasker, who is considered a pioneer of modern advertising. He was a co-founder of the Lasker Foundation, which honors achievements in treating, understanding, or preventing diseases.

Steven Koblik, president of the Huntington, says Ms. Brody was a formidable woman who was “raised to be an intellectual and a grande dame.” She was known for her outspokenness. In 1953 she commissioned a ceramic mural from the artist Henri Matisse, and when he sent her a sketch, Ms. Brody told him he had to do better.

How the gift came about: Ms. Brody didn’t become involved with the Huntington until she was in her 70s. An avid gardener, she struck up a friendship with James Folsom, who directs the organization’s botanical gardens. Nine years ago, Ms. Brody told Mr. Koblik she was going to sell her art collection, which included significant pieces by Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and the sculptor Alberto Giacometti. Before that collection went to auction in May, the organization learned it was the sole beneficiary of her estate after her heirs received their inheritances, but Huntington officials had no idea how much money that would be. In October the Huntington received $15-million for its gardens as stipulated by Ms. Brody in her trust. And in November it received $80-million.

Impact of the gift: Mr. Koblik hopes the gift will spur others to give to the Huntington. He says, “I’m a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all folks. This was a brilliant accident that occurred to us.”

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