Stories for May '16

(Fragment)

Nancy Druckman Leaves Sotheby's
by Lita Solis-Cohen

Nancy Druckman, who had worked at Sotheby’s for 43 years as an expert in American folk art, has left to form her own art advisory service. In 2015 she retired as senior vice president for American folk art but stayed on as a consultant for the January 2016 sales of ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Arizona Man Sentenced for Insurance Fraud
by M.A.D. staff

On March 18 in Phoenix, Arizona, 54-year-old Gerardo Alonzo Avila was sentenced to one year in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of insurance fraud, a felony. Avila had filed a claim with his insurance company, Liberty Mutual, stating that his home in Maricopa, Arizona, had been burglarized ... (Read More)

(Computer Article)

Smartphone Security
by John P. Reid

Computer Column #329 John P. Reid, [email protected] Security for smartphones and other mobile devices is more challenging than desktop computer security. Smartphones are computers with more computing power and memory than the desktop computers of 25 years ago. They are subject to the same kinds of invasion as desktop computers, but their interface ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Christie's Shutters Three East Coast Offices
by M.A.D. staff

Christie’s is rebalancing its support hubs. The auction house is closing three regional offices—Boston, Philadelphia, and Palm Beach, Florida—and increasing its presence and investment in the West, Southwest, and Midwest. According to a spokesman for the auction house, “As part of our regular business practice, Christie’s continually evaluates its existing business ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Art Authenticators Protected in New York Bill
by Casey O’Brien and Betty Flood

Authenticity, attribution, and authorship of works of fine art are the subject of New York state legislation intended to enhance protections for art authenticators in the visual arts community. According to the bill, authenticators “shall include, but not be limited to, authors of catalogues raisonné or other scholarly texts in ... (Read More)

(Issue Story)

Lucy Trask Barnard and Her Rugs
by Mildred Cole Péladeau

For more than a half-century, hooked rug enthusiasts have puzzled over the whereabouts of the fourth hooked rug offered to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1961 by Albert Root Jr., great-grandson of Lucy Trask Barnard of Dixfield, Maine. Correspondence between Root and the New York-based museum, dated January 2, 1961, ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Liz Sterling Heads American Paintings at Sotheby's
by M.A.D. staff

Some of Sotheby’s offices, left empty after 80 staffers took the generous buyout offers designed to cut costs, are being filled by enthusiastic specialists who switched allegiance from Christie’s to Sotheby’s. Liz Sterling, who began working at Sotheby’s a month ago, is one of them. A year and a half ago, ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Strawbery Banke Acquires Federal Sideboard with New Hampshire Provenance
by M.A.D. staff

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has acquired an 1800-10 Sheraton inlaid mahogany sideboard that once belonged to the Stearns family of Durham, New Hampshire. The sideboard was donated to Strawbery Banke by Elisabeth Sturges.  “This sideboard is an unusual and important example of Portsmouth-made furniture, not only for its ... (Read More)

(Book Review)

Books Received, May 2016
by M.A.D. Staff

These are brief reviews of books recently sent to us. We have included ordering information for publishers that accept mail, phone, or online orders. For other publishers, your local bookstore or a mail-order house is the place to look. Scenic Impressions: Southern Interpretations from the Johnson Collection by Estill Curtis Pennington ... (Read More)

(Issue Story)

The Government's Art Tab
by S. Clayton Pennington

Editorial On March 21 Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, instructed Denise Roth, administrator of the General Services Administration, that she had two weeks to provide the committee with a staggering amount of information. Chaffetz, a member of the Tea Party, wants to know ... (Read More)

(Young Collectors)

A Job Worth Doing
by Hollie Davis and Andrew Richmond

The Young Collector In Hollie’s first post-college job, she was a collection agent in a large urban area. She was not of the kind who works in a call center but of the variety who walks up to the apartment door and says, “I need to get $53 today or we’re ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Chait Pleads Guilty in Federal Court
by M.A.D. staff

Joseph Chait, 38, the senior auction administrator of a gallery and auction house located in Beverly Hills, California, pleaded guilty on March 9 in federal court in New York City to two counts related to wildlife trafficking. He was charged with conspiring to smuggle wildlife products made from rhinoceros horn, elephant ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Antique City Show Makes Major Changes
by M.A.D. staff

The Antique City Show is making some major changes including dates, location, and prices. Holiday Promotions, the new owner of the show, is moving it to the Allentown (Pennsylvania) Fairgrounds with new dates, June 18 and 19. For the last four years, the show has been in April at Lehigh University ... (Read More)

(Issue Story)

Letter from London, May 2016
by Ian McKay

Ian McKay, <[email protected]> Madame Would Look Enchanting in This! Dating from around 1765, this elegant lady wearing a robe à la française of silk and metallic wrapped thread would appear to be the only recorded surviving life-size French mannequin de mode of the period. Wearing as accessories a blonde wig, pearl earrings, a ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Rift between the Appraisal Institute and The Appraisal Foundation
by Kay Manning

Quickie valuations, such as those done at on-the-spot fund-raising events, can leave an erroneous impression about what makes a credible appraisal, such as the kind that squares a donor with the Internal Revenue Service, an heir with a probate court, or a client with an insurance company. Similarly, some people ... (Read More)

(Issue Story)

John Gould of Yorktown Heights, New York
by Frank Donegan

In the Trade Discussing how hard it is to sell antique furniture today at almost any price, John Gould quoted a friend, who said, “You see this really good furniture selling for really cheap prices, and it’s still not cheap enough.” John Gould in his workshop. That’s why Gould’s small barn, which used ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

1stdibs Causes Controversy
by Lita Solis-Cohen

1stdibs, an online global marketplace (www.1stdibs.com) that over the last 15 years has helped legions of dealers sell art, antiques, vintage fashion, and jewelry to designers, collectors, curators, and others, has been the focus of a month-long protest by dealers from New York to California. It stems from an e-mail ... (Read More)

(Book Review)

The Art of American Still Life
by Lita Solis-Cohen

 A Book Review The Art of American Still Life: Audubon to Warhol by Mark D. Mitchell, with essays by Bill Brown, Mark D. Mitchell, Katie A. Pfohl, and Carol Troyen Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2015, 271 pages, hardbound, $65 plus S/H from the Philadelphia Museum of Art Museum Store (www.philamuseumstore.org) This book is ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

New Hampshire Antiques Week Pickers Market Show Canceled
by M.A.D. staff

  On November 23, 2015, Barn Star Productions announced that the Pickers Market Antiques Show—part of Antiques Week in New Hampshire for over 20 years—had been revived after a one-year hiatus. Almost five months later, the company announced it was canceling the August 12 show. Frank Gaglio of Barn Star said, “We, ... (Read More)

(Issue Story)

Exhibitions
by M.A.D. staff

Maine Antique Digest includes, as space permits, brief announcements of exhibitions planned by galleries, museums, or other venues. We need all press materials at least six weeks in advance of opening. We need to know the hours and dates of the exhibit, admission charges, and phone number and website for ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Buy a Real Weathervane so the Owners Can Buy a Fake One
by M.A.D. staff

The Concord Scout House (CSH) in the middle of Concord, Massachusetts, was built out of an old barn in 1932 for the local Girl Scout troop, and it’s been the site of dances and concerts ever since. Before there was a Concord Scout House, there was a barn, and on ... (Read More)

(Fragment)

Skirmish Breaks Out over Civil War Coat
by Clayton Pennington

A Confederate coat, made of homemade blue jeans on a hand loom by a blind seamstress, is the subject of a lawsuit between a collector and a museum. Collector Joe Fitzgerald of Huntsville, Alabama, a civilian aide to the secretary of the United States Army, bought the coat at the Mid-South ... (Read More)

(Show)

59th Annual Spring Fox Valley Antiques Show
by Danielle Arnet

St. Charles, Illinois Imagine a show held for almost 60 successful years and still going strong. Then add show management that rolls its sleeves up and volunteers for years. By the way, said management is not composed of paid professionals but is part of a dealer organization that hosts the show. Add ... (Read More)

(Issue Story)

Strong Results at Joseph DuMouchelle Auction
by Mary Ann Brown

Antique Jewelry & Gemology Photos courtesy Joseph DuMouchelle Joseph DuMouchelle’s March 11 auction of jewels and timepieces realized over $1.7 million. DuMouchelle, president, and Melinda “Lindy” Adducci, vice president, have been running the company, specializing in gems and jewelry, for 22 years as business partners and as a married couple. DuMouchelle’s family ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Blue Transfer-Decorated Staffordshire Ceramics Bullish
by Lita Solis-Cohen

Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire Photos courtesy Northeast Auctions Ron Bourgeault’s Northeast Auctions’ “Spring Weekend Auction,” held March 5 and 6 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offered a series of specialized collections along with furniture and decorations from various owners, estates, and some museum deaccessions. The sale began on Saturday at noon with ... (Read More)

(Show)

The Short Sweet Swap
by Lita Solis-Cohen

Portsmouth, New Hampshire For a dozen years, Nan Gurley’s short and sweet Sunday shows at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, have been a meeting place for New England dealers and collectors. From September to April on one Sunday a month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., some serious ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Rago's February Sales
by Lita Solis-Cohen

Rago Arts, Lambertville, New Jersey Photos courtesy Rago Arts Rago Arts and Auction Center presented its three-day 20th-century arts and design auction February 26-28 in four catalogs. Two catalogs were for private collections, one with Tiffany, French art glass, and German porcelain plaques, and the other the collection of James and Rose ... (Read More)

(Auction)

John and Ruth Page Collection Sold at Auction
by Jackie Sideli

William A. Smith, Inc., Plainfield, New Hampshire Photos courtesy William A. Smith, Inc. It was nearly impossible to find a seat in the salesroom of William A. Smith, Inc. for the February 27 midwinter auction. Customers were lined up and leaning against the wall. It is an interesting phenomenon that the gray-haired ... (Read More)

(Auction)

A $46,125 Overmantel Painting Tops Americana Sale
by Frances McQueeney-Jones Mascolo

Skinner, Inc., Boston It’s a rare sight in most auction rooms these days, but there it was at Skinner’s February 27 Americana sale in the Boston gallery. As the preview wound down on the morning of the sale, staff was busy rolling out pallets of chairs to augment the seating already ... (Read More)

(Auction)

The Collection of Corinne H. Machmer
by Lita Solis-Cohen

Conestoga Auction Company, Manheim, Pennsylvania Photos courtesy Conestoga Auction Company There is an old saying that for a dealer’s auction to be successful, the consignor has to be dead. “That is just not true when everyone likes you; everyone loves Corinne,” said Phil Nissley, a partner in Hess Auction Group, after he ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Variety Is Key at Quinn's - Central Virginia
by Walter C. Newman

Quinn’s Auction Galleries - Central Virginia, Louisa, Virginia Photos courtesy Quinn’s Auction Galleries Quinn’s Auction Galleries - Central Virginia held its winter fine and decorative arts auction on February 27 at the firm’s showrooms in Louisa, Virginia. Since opening its new location in September 2015, the firm has offered regularly scheduled cataloged, ... (Read More)

(Show)

Hope and Concern Coexist at Raleigh Extravaganza
by Pete Prunkl

Raleigh, North Carolina Daffodils were sprouting in Raleigh, North Carolina, on February 26, the first day of a three-day run for the Raleigh Antiques Extravaganza. Promptly at 10 a.m., 20 potential buyers were at the door waiting to enter the Exposition Center at the North Carolina Fairgrounds. Their early arrival gave ... (Read More)

(Auction)

The Eddie Tatum Collection, Part I
by Pete Prunkl

C & A Auction, Ramseur, North Carolina Although this M.A.D. reporter has covered antiques auctions and shows in the Carolinas for the past 22 years, February 21 marked my first time at C & A Auction in Ramseur, North Carolina. It is hoped it will not be my last. Ninety percent of ... (Read More)

(Show)

The American Indian Art Show Marin
by Alice Kaufman

San Rafael, California At this year’s American Indian Art Show Marin, held February 20 and 21 in San Rafael, California, some came to sell, but everyone came to buy. Attendance was up 15% from last year, and finding a space in the parking lot was a challenge on both days of ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Presidential Ephemera Sold at Roland Auctions NY
by Julie Schlenger Adell

Roland Auctions NY, New York City Photos courtesy Roland Auctions NY A small group of collectors gathered in the street-level salesroom of Greenwich Village-based Roland Auctions NY on February 19 to bid at the first of several auctions containing collections from the estate of Dr. Alan York. An East Hampton, New York, optometrist, ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Dogs in Show and Field
by Julie Schlenger Adell

Bonhams, New York City Photos courtesy Bonhams Following on the heels of the Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show at Madison Square Garden, the Dogs in Show and Field auction at Bonhams attracted a small group of collectors and dealers to its salesroom on February 17. Of the 167 lots offered, 115 found ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Ives Marble Sculpture Breaks Out for $100 Grand
by Mark Sisco

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, Thomaston, Maine From the pre-Christian era to the Renaissance and from medieval times to the late 20th century, just about all major eras were covered in Thomaston Place’s wide-ranging winter auction on February 13 and 14 in Thomaston, Maine. The top-selling lot was a 50¾" tall Neoclassical Carrara ... (Read More)

(Show)

Heart of Tennessee: Skillful CPR Revives a February Show Tradition
by Karla Klein Albertson

Hendersonville, Tennessee The new Heart of Tennessee Antique Show opened on February 11 with an evening preview party featuring notable dealers, outstanding offerings, and excellent catering. Last year, Nashville was Heart-less. The long-running Heart of Country show at the Opryland Hotel had ended its run in 2014. But Katherine Bovard already ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Old Masters Lead the Potomack Company Sale
by Walter C. Newman

The Potomack Company, Alexandria, Virginia Photos courtesy The Potomack Company The Potomack Company held its first sale of the 2016 season on February 6 at its gallery and showrooms in Alexandria, Virginia. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the firm. In that relatively short time Potomack has become a leading auction ... (Read More)

(Auction)

The Nelson Collection Succeeds
by Frances McQueeney-Jones Mascolo

Skinner, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts There is nothing quite like a single-owner auction to get everyone’s attention, particularly when that collection is a carefully gathered and highly regarded one. So when the Van Kirke and Helen Nelson collection of Plains Native American art came to auction on February 6 at Skinner’s Boston ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Bay Psalm Book with Salem Witch Trial Provenance Tops $1 Million Sale
by Jeanne Schinto

Swann Galleries, New York City Photos courtesy Swann Galleries A seventh edition of the Bay Psalm Book, published in Boston in 1693, was the top lot at Swann’s printed and manuscript Americana sale on February 4 in the auction house’s New York City gallery. Estimated at $30,000/40,000, The Psalms Hymns and Spiritual ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Heade Heads Julia Auction
by Mark Sisco

James D. Julia, Fairfield, Maine Photos courtesy James D. Julia An important American Revolutionary War powder horn and a Martin Johnson Heade genre painting combined for over a quarter of a million dollars to lead James D. Julia’s February 3-5 auction in Fairfield, Maine. This powder horn, owned by Oliver Buttrick, can be ... (Read More)

(Show)

166th Original Semi-Annual York Antiques Show and Sale
by Lita Solis-Cohen

York, Pennsylvania The January three-day York show, promoted by Melvin L. “Butch” Arion as the 166th Original Semi-Annual York Antiques Show and Sale, was a perfect antidote for cabin fever. A January thaw provided three days of sunny weather with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, making it a pleasant drive ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Maritime Paintings and Decorative Arts
by A.J. Peluso, Jr.

Bonhams, New York City Photos courtesy Bonhams Blizzard? Price of oil? Economy? Who knows? Some of the results of Bonhams’ important maritime and decorative arts sale on January 28 in New York City are arranged alphabetically by artists’ names. You be the judge. James Buttersworth (1817-1894) American clipper ship Black Warrior, outward bound, 29" ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Fine Furniture, Decorative Arts, and Silver
by Danielle Arnet

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Chicago Leslie Hindman’s first decorative arts sale of the new year is, traditionally, the opening gun for a new season of sales. As a first volley, the January 26 and 27 sale was a lulu. First, there was, at over 1000 lots, the sheer mass of merchandise. You like ... (Read More)

(Show)

Maumee Valley Historical Society Antique Show
by Don Johnson

Maumee, Ohio Talk of the trade in Ohio during early 2016 swirled around one common factor: sizable crowds at antiques shows. Dealers at Worthington and Lebanon practically gushed about the flow of buyers. They hadn’t seen anything yet. The 47th annual Maumee Valley Historical Society Antique Show, held January 23 and 24 ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Fine Art at Auction
by Frances McQueeney-Jones Mascolo

Skinner, Inc., Boston Photos courtesy Skinner Twentieth-century art came to the fore at Skinner on January 22 in Boston. With a few anomalies, such as the 16th-century sketch estimated at $400/600 that sold for $19,680 (includes buyer’s premium), the focus was directed to 20th-century lots. The auction house supplied, and bidders responded ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Chinese Export Art
by Lita Solis-Cohen

Christie’s, New York City Photos courtesy Christie’s Christie’s holds one big China trade sale a year, generally during Americana Week in January. This year it was on January 21, when dealers were setting up for the New York Ceramics & Glass Fair and the Winter Antiques Show and some collectors and dealers ... (Read More)

(Auction)

Advice for Winter Auctions in Maine: If It Snows, Go!
by Mark Sisco

Andrews & Andrews, Northport, Maine We’re a tough breed of auction-goers here in Maine. Don’t count on us to be scared off by a little weather. January 16 was one of those wintry days bedeviled by a blustery snowstorm. It was also the day that Dan and Elsie Andrews held their ... (Read More)
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