Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1056047
92 F ort Worth grande dame Martha Hyder, who died last year, was a social force whose many philanthropic endeavors included the renowned Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, which she helped launch. She was also known for throwing memorable parties and benefits at her elegant home near the River Crest Country Club, which was filled with modern art and antiques collected during her travels. Hundreds of decorative-arts pieces from Hyder's vast collection are being sold through the online site Sotheby's Home. The late doyenne's prized furniture and art includes Oushak rugs, 17th- century tapestries, New Guinea sculpture, and French Regency doors. A George I gilt-and-red-japanned bureau bookcase, circa 1720, is part of Hyder's large collection of Asian artifacts. Many of her serving and entertaining pieces are offered for sale, such as an 1825 Russian Imperial porcelain plate from the Kremlin Service, period of Nicholas I. Hyder adored her vast and celebrated home in San Miguel de Allende, amassing a collection of 19th-century Mexican folk art that included a pair of carved and painted wood skeletons. The Collection of Martha Hyder at Sotheby's Home runs throughout the month of December at sothebyshome.com. Clockwise from top left: Martha Hyder at home in Fort Worth, circa 1970s; master bath- room; master bedroom; lower-level library; entryway looking into living area. BY REBECCA SHERMAN MARTHA HYDER'S FORT WORTH ESTATE ON THE BLOCK