Four decades in classical contemporary art. Owner of L’Esprit d’Art since 1982, advising collectors across New York, France and Italy.
After Forest Hills High School, Frances Laterman studied fine arts, liberal arts and international relations at Syracuse University from 1954 to 1959. That breadth taught her to read creativity through several lenses at once, and it set the course for everything that followed.
Since 1982 Frances Laterman has advised enthusiasts and serious collectors alike, guiding thoughtful decisions rather than quick ones. Clients value her ability to safeguard their interests as much as her eye, and many describe the relationship as mentorship.
She introduced high-fashion design to leading furriers and rethought sportswear with faux fur linings, work covered by Women’s Wear Daily. Sold purely as lining fabric, the idea rescued faltering firms. She also wrote and directed six Israeli designer fashion shows for the United Jewish Appeal, raising millions.
The Laterman Family Foundation was established by Frances Iger Laterman and the late Bernard Laterman as a 501(c)(3) supporting religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational causes, with a significant emphasis on the Jewish faith and community welfare.
The Foundation’s Address Hate Initiative received a one million dollar grant to counter antisemitism and hate speech on social media, with particular attention to the bullying of Jewish young people.
Its giving reaches the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education, the Jewish Studies Center at Baruch College, medical research at Mount Sinai, the Shoah Foundation and the 92nd Street Y. All trustees serve without compensation.
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