Archive for August, 2011

My Antique Finds – Victrola XVII and Civil War Colt

You know that euphoric feeling you get when you land such a phenomenal deal that you almost feel guilty? It’s a tough search and requires the patience of a Kindergarten teacher, but the results can be completely worth it. Part One: The Victrola XVII To be level, I probably spend a bit too much time [...]

We’re in this Show Together, But Who is Talking to the Customer?

By most measures antiques sales are off their highs. The size and performance of the antiques industry is not measured in any scientific way, but I think its safe to say the conventional wisdom is things are not what they used to be. Some of the issues are external like demographics and consumer preferences, but [...]

Museums Closing in Anticipation of Irene

Hurricane Irene is coming and cities along the East Coast are busy preparing. With transit systems shutting down, museums are following suite. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum nd Fairmount Park Houses have announced they’ll all be slosed this Sunday. In New York the Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its closed for the [...]

Finding Rembrandt at the Dallas Museum of Art

A presentation on art theft. In an art museum. Why not, I thought. Last night Late Night at the DMA hosted a full room in the auditorium for a presentation by Art Detective Robert Wittman. That was followed by two films, Stolen, a film about the 1995 heist at the Gardner Museum in Boston and [...]

The End of the Road for American Folk Art Museum?

TAAS Exterior Metropolitan Pavilion

A New York Times story Friday chronicled some of the troubles at the American Folk Art Museum in New York. You may have already noticed the absence of The American Antiques Show (TAAS) from the Americana Week lineup (although a new show plans a preview benefit for the museum).  The Times story indicates the museum [...]

Whoopi Goldberg Offers Selections from her Personal Collection

Selections from the Personal Collection of Whoopi Goldberg, acclaimed Oscar-winning actress and comedian, will highlight Heritage Auctions’ Sept. 27 Estate Auction, at the company’s Design District annex at 1518 Slocum Street. This will include more than 70 pieces from Whoopi’s cherished collection of pottery, porcelain, art deco and a variety of whimsical pieces she has [...]

New Show Replaces TAAS, Adds Photography and Design to Americana

The Art Fair Company recently announced the launch a new art and antique fair in place of The American Antiques Show (TAAS), formerly organized by the American Folk Art Museum. The event adds to the line-up for Americana Week, New York for 2012. “The Art Fair Company will build upon the strength of The American Antique Show, which has [...]

Dealers Look to Vintage Markets to Reach New Customers

While the antiques industry seems to be in a contraction mode with fewer shows and lower gate numbers, you wouldn’t know it from a popular market in Chicago. Vintage Markets like the Randolph Street Market Festival have been able to repeatedly attract a young, educated and affluent customer who is knowledgeable about the products and [...]

Rare sicklebill curlew soars to $111,550 at Decoys Unlimited, Inc.

Rare Sicklebill Curlew Decoy

A spectacular and rare sicklebill curlew decoy made in Duxbury, Mass., by a craftsman whose identity is a matter of debate among veteran collectors, soared to $111,550 at an auction held July 24-25 by Decoys Unlimited, Inc., based in Barnstable, Mass. The sale was conducted at the Cape Codder Resort & Hotel in Hyannis, Mass., [...]

Chinese Buyers Help Bring Record Revenue to Sotheby’s

Sothebys

Revenue at the auctioneer Sotheby’s has gone up, way up.  The company reported record first half revenues of $489.4 million, the highest ever first half consolidated sales of $3.4 billion and its highest ever quarterly net income of $127.2 million in the second quarter. “This is the best quarter in Sotheby’s history,” said Bill Ruprecht, President [...]

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