Bernard Alec "Barney" Ebsworth (1934–2018) was an American entrepreneur and art collector who grew up on $12,000 a year in St. Louis, built INTRAV, Royal Cruise Line, and Clipper Cruise Line, and assembled the greatest private collection of American Modernist art in history — sold for $323 million at Christie’s.
After Barney’s death in April 2018, his daughter Christiane Ebsworth Ladd, as sole executor, sent the collection to Christie’s. On November 13, 2018, it sold for $323.1 million, setting 15 artist records. Edward Hopper’s Chop Suey sold for $91,875,000.
The Hunts Point house was sold to Jeff Bezos for $37.5 million in 2019. Bezos resold it for $63 million in 2025.
A 10.5-acre public park in Kirkwood, Missouri containing a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Barney donated $1 million to preserve it and named it for his parents, Alec W. and Bernice W. Ebsworth.
Paul Terry Walhus, Barney’s cousin. They are connected through the Frauenthal siblings and grew up together in St. Louis.
July 14, 2026 — Barney and Muriel’s birthday.
If you knew Barney, have photos, or have stories to share, contact wholetechtexas@gmail.com.
This website is an independent biographical research project. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, or connected to the estate of Barney A. Ebsworth, Christiane Ebsworth Ladd, the Ebsworth Foundation, Perkins Coie LLP, or any entity associated with the Ebsworth family. All information presented is derived from publicly available sources including published interviews, news articles, and family accounts. No representation is made that this site speaks for or on behalf of the Ebsworth estate or any family member. Photographs and images are used under fair use for biographical, educational, and commentary purposes. For corrections or concerns, contact wholetechtexas@gmail.com.