New Year's Resolutions

Photo courtesy of Ian Livingston

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlivingston/

We all make them and we all break them!

But, this year I promise I will try to keep mine.

So here goes, it is in writing so I have to do it-right?

#1

Lose weight.

So you thought I really looked like my Facebook picture? Ummmhhh yeah right!

Photo courtesy of Jason

#2

Network More

Networking is good for all my businesses-as an antiques dealer, freelance writer, and job hunter (public relations)

#3

Write thank you notes

I am from the South and this is ingrained in me. My Mother sends me boxes of cards and they are ever at the ready. But, do I use them? Nope, never. This has to change.

Photo courtesy of the V & A Museum in London

#4

Photograph and upload at least one item a day to my website.

I have many fabulous antiques and vintage finds that are not my on website at www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson that I am sure someone is dying to buy. I need to get them up there-you can't buy them if they aren't there to sell!

#5

There is probably a 5th one, but four is already too many so I will stop.

Happy New Year!

I hope all your wishes for 2011 come true

Daytrip to Beaver Creek Mall and An Auction

A friend and I drove to Carlisle, Pennsylvania to check out an auction and on the way stopped at Beaver Creek Antique Mall in Hagerstown, Maryland. This mall has long been a place to pick up antiques at close to wholesale prices. I have found many things here in past years. The staff at Beaver Creek are knowledgeable and have an "eye." The Christmas and Holiday booth, back in the corner, is always fun and has so much!

Bottle Brush Trees

More Bottle Brush Trees

Jimmy Creamer's Booth-Fabulous!

Note the applique pillow case.

The Auction

Early Hoover electric cigar lighter-perfect condition in original box.

But, this little lighter is the only electric object in a folk art auction.

I love this red and white barber pole!

A very nice Pennsylvania cupboard

Always fun to see one of these spinning wheel chairs-A Colonial Revival icon

Sewer Owl in perfect condition

A box of miniature sheep

A pin cushion with stuffed dog and a toy puppy.

An geometric hooked rug worked with wide strips of wool-reminds me of a Frank Stella painting.

Piles of quilts, most made in Pennsylvania.

This auction featured the estate of  a recently deceased antiques dealer around York, Pennsylvania. I put in an absentee bid on a nice Tinsel painting-Still waiting to find out if I got it.

The auction was listed on http://www.auctionzip/, my favorite place to find great local auctions!



Someone Is Really Reading This Blog!

Good News!

When you write a blog you never really know if anyone is reading it, unless they post a comment. Since very few people actually take the time to sign in and post something, I usually feel like I am writing this just for myself. It takes a lot of determination and tenacity to keep on writing and posting and hoping that someone is reading it and hopefully enjoying it, identifying with something I have written, learning something, or even just getting pissed off at an opinion or my lack of taste. I'll take any of the above.  

These female art students at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm, Sweden have NOT read my blog!

Unfortunately, I am not as tenacious about The Antiquer as I would like, especially since I began writing for DESIGNinTELL at www.vandm.com in July and for www.potomac.patch.com in August. Both sites, along with my antiques business and public relations clients, keep me busy.

Imagine my surprise when I got an email saying The Antiquer had been included in a list of the 50 Best Antiques Blogs on the web. It actually came in at #26. Well, I can do better than #26-- so now I am challenged and inspired to write more and more often.

An art student at Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee.

The second best thing about this acknowledgement, the first being the validation by others, is that it was awarded to my blog by a website called, Aguidetoartschools.com. Although I am not an artist, I am in admiration of all those who are. Art, in all its mediums, has always been vitally important to me and a big part of what I believe makes one truly have a full and deep life.

For those fortunate enough to have been given a talent, it is imperative that that talent be nurtured. What better way than art school? This website gathers together information to help artists select the right school for them.

Young artists showing their work

I am grateful for the recognition and will work hard to next get in the top 10 next year!

Here is what they had to say about The Antiquer:

The Antiquer: “Adventures of an antiques dealer” brings an extremely knowledgeable eye and savvy to readers who may not know quite as much.”

Toys for Sale:The Forbes Collection Goes on the Auction Block

 http://blog.vandm.com/2010/10/toys-for-sale-forbes-toy-collection.html

One wonders what the late Malcolm Forbes would think of his sons' selling his collection of toy boats, soldiers and games. Probably that it was about time. He might possibly think the boys are just a little late - the fabulous collection has been on exhibition at the Forbes Galleries on 5th Avenue in New York for 25 years. The installation, in the rabbit-warren of spaces in the lobby of the Forbes Magazine building looks a little tired and out-dated. On December 17, 2010 the Forbes Collection of toys and games will go on the auction block at Sotheby's on York Avenue in New York City. The collection is estimated to bring in $3 to $5 million.

 

Malcolm Forbes was a legendary entrepreneur whose collection of Russian Faberge eggs helped make him a household name in the 1970s until his sudden death in 1990. According to Sotheby's press release announcing the sale, Malcolm was not the first in his family to admire and collect toys. B.C. Forbes, Malcolms' father, began the tradition of purchasing toy boats for Malcolm and his brothers. Malcolm continued the family tradition, when, in 1973, he noticed an antique toy boat at FAO Schwartz that was similar to the boats his father had bought him as a child. He was hooked. It wasn't long before his son Robert was hooked as well.

“It's clear to me that it was nostalgia more than anything else that sparked both the toy boat and toy soldier collections - the warm embracing memories of the endless fun we had with them,” stated Forbes in an article for Art & Antiques in 1989.
The toy boat collection is considered by collectors as one of the finest in the country according to Sotheby's. The collection is strong on sports, luxury, naval, and commercial toy boats - most being made during the Golden Age of Toys - 1870s through the 1950s. Examples of every major toy boat maker in the Nuremberg area of Germany - manufacturers such as Mäklin, Bing, Fleischmann and Carette are all represented.

Andre the Giant



The largest boat in the collection and one of the expected top lots of the sale, according to Sotheby's is the one-of-a-kind French cast-iron gas-powered gunboat (est. $200,000 to $300,000), a replica of a battleship known as Andre the Giant. This unique boat is 47 inches long with zinc and bronze details.




Märkin's Luistania

In 1983, Forbes purchased from Sotheby's for a record-setting (at the time) $28,6000 - the Märkin produced “Luisitania” ocean liner ($100,000 to $200,000). The prototype for this ocean liner was sunk by a German submarine in 1915 and helped coalesce popular opinion that led to the US entering World War I.

Märkin's Weissenberg

Other boats for sale are a Venetian-style canal boat, several Noah's Arks and working submarines. An original box of Titanic Soap (“Guaranteed to Sink”) will also be on the auction block.
Forbes son, Robert said, “My brothers and I concluded it best that others now have a chance to own them, collect them, and maybe even wind them up on a pond or pool and watch them go.”

Richard Courtenay Knight

Also being sold on December 17 are the collections of antique toy soldiers. The Forbes family sold a large part of the collection soon after Malcolm Forbes death. What was left are thousands of soldiers, marching bands and fox hunts from leading manufacturers such as Britains, Mignot, Heyde and Elastolin. Cowboys and Indians, Kings and Queens and the amazing knights made by Richard Courtenay will also be offered for sale in lots of 250.

The earliest homemade Monopoly board game, complete with a set of rules will be offered for sale, making the total number of toys offered in the Forbes sale 7,500.

Girls Gone Wild on WWW.VandM.com

Read the latest post and check out the American Folk Art Museum exhibition Women Only.

http://blog.vandm.com/2010/08/girls-gone-wild-salute-to-women-artists.html

I love tinsel art!

Tinsel paintings are definitely under-the-radar for folk art collectors. Made by women during the 19th and 20th centuries, these charming paintings were created by painting designs on glass and then backing them with crinkled foil. Little has been published about these second cousins of theroems, but they are charming and sometimes surprising. Most can be found, if you find them at all, in their original frames.

To see them check out museums such as the American Folk Art Museum and the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. I recently sold several at my shop on www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson and will be offering others for sale soon. But, none are as nice as the 2 below-now on view at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The exhibition closes September 12 so check it out now.

Tinsel Painting: Jenny Lind, Artist unidentified, United States, c. 1850, Reverse painting and foil on glass and paper collage, 28 1/2 x 24 1/2" framed, Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Susan and Laurence Lerner, 2009.13.3, Photo © 2006 Andy Duback

Tinsel Painting: Wreath, Birds, and Daguerreotype, Artist unidentified, United Statesc. 1855 - 1865, Reverse painting and foil on glass and hand-colored photograph in stamped-brass mat, 11 7/8 x 14", Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Day Krolik Jr., 1979.3.1

An inside view showing the white background paint on glass around the painted floral design of a tinsel in my collection.

An upclose view from the back

The foil backing

The Backstory: Collecting Early Appliances

Part of the Patrick Sheary collection, photographs courtesy of the author

Patrick Sheary has been my friend and antiques shopping buddy for almost 20 years. We met when he came to the museum, where I was curator, to oversea the furniture collection. His talents were quickly evident and he gradually, more or less, took over the rest of the museum's collection of early American decorative arts. Except for the textiles (my part) of course.

I have spent countless hours with Patrick; examining objects, discussing conservation issues, arguing about historical accuracy and listening to him talk about his passions-preserving DC's historical and cultural architectural treasures and early electric appliances.  This man is obsessed! When he gets interested in something, he is like a dog on a bone-he doesn't let go until he satisfies his curiosity and his need to acquire. I have lived through years of his obsessions--a particular rare typewriter, an early 20th century reproduction of a Samuel Pepys bookcase, ingrain carpets, the "right" shade of French gray, a magnificant French birdcage chandelier, and appliances. I will admit that sometimes I think I should get an MA degree just for listening to him discuss and ponder these material obsessions.

This man is an expert's expert. He not only scours and studies secondary sources for clues to his latest folly, but, he painstakingly searches for every object and piece of collateral material related to his obsession. His collection of books, catalogues, and pamphlets about early electric appliances is vast--a scholars library.

Since I had been asked by Bill Indursky of www.VandM.com to write about collectors, I natually began with my friend Patrick. I knew he would be honored and eager to tell people about his collection as he truly believes everyone should know how fabulous these appliances are. He agreed to being interviewed and to have them photographed. 

The photography is the difficult part--once we both spent 3 days with a professional photographer trying to photgraph a silver teapot without the reflection of the camera showing. We built a huge tent! In the case of the appliances, we were limited by the quality of my camera and my talent as a photographer. The first 30 or so pictures I took were shot without a flash and had to be deleted. But, finally we were able to get enough pictures to illustrate the article. The detail on the appliances is fabulous.

Little chicken feet on a green glass ball.

We had a great time playing with the appliances-without actually touching them, of course. No fingerprints as the oils corrode the nickel finish. In the end, we had a very nice article with images that were passable, but not great.

As Patrick doesn't drive, I usually take him to the local antique shows. This past weekend was one of the summer's best. He always looks forward to this show where he meets with his "secret source." After the article had "gone to press," he purchased a group of early appliances-in copper rather than the usual nickel. His nickel-plated egg cooker shown in the article, and below, now resides next to an identical one in copper. Oh, how I wish I had that picture! 

Egg Cooker

http://blog.vandm.com/2010/07/best-expression-of-modern-household.html

Floor Show: 20s and 30s Artist Rugs from the Maison Myrbor

From the Nazmiyal Collection on www.vandm.com

Check out my latest article on Maison Myrbor for DESIGNinTELL at http://www.vandm.com/

A Double Whammy of Publicity

This morning Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts was featured in a blog on http://www.blog.vandm.com/. It is the first publicity we have received since our founding last year. Sales have perked up recently and online inquiries are increasing.

The interview I gave for the article was with artist and fellow dealer Bob Graham. Bob sells beautiful hand-crafted lamps-they are very sought-after! He really captured my style and the point of view of Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts.

This is the landing page for my first blog article for VandM. Beautiful image of a running horse weathervane. Ever wonder what has happened to those collectors of folk art since mid-century modern has taken over the decorating scene. Read my take on the subject.

Idina Menzel: Is She Rachel's Mom?

Watch Glee Tuesday Night at 8:59 eastern and 7:59 central


I love Idina Menzel. Not only is she a Tony-award-winning actress and star of Wicked, but she is married to my favorite actor, the gorgeous Tay Diggs. They are going to tease us by not letting her sing right away, but when she does, it is sure to be a blow-out. I can't wait!

Coming Up: The 2010 Philadelphia Antique Show

My favorite antique show is coming up on the 17th.

The Philadelphia Antique Show 2010

This is the best show in the country-the antiques are the best and the people who attend are interesting--Jon Bon Jovi and his wife were there last year.

 SJ Shrubsole of New York City, my favorite jewelry dealer, will be there. They have the most exquisite antique jewelry and silver--they have something for everyone and in every price range. Plus, the staff is nice and will spend time educating you, if needed. This is where I heard about jewelry camp.


My other favorite dealer is Lillian Nassau. This venerable old company has been selling Tiffany lamps for many years and is the place where collectors go for the best in Tiffany. Owner Arlie Sulka and her associate, Eric Silver can be seen frequently on Antiques Roadshow.
Check them out and if you are in the Philadelphia area this weekend, check out the show-you won't be sorry.

Mexican Silver Part I: William Spratling

Spring is here and I'm back! I'm feeling bad that this is the first blog I have written since Valentine's Day. Sorry folks. My website at www.vandm.com is taking most of my attention, but it seems to be finally paying off-I'm starting to sell. Also, I have set up a Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts Fan Page on Facebook so check it out.

For months I have wanted to post on Mexican jewelry, but just had a hard time finding a place to start. It is a huge subject with many important and interesting people.  I mulled it over and decided to begin at the beginning with one of the leaders of the Mexican silver renaissance-William Spratling. If you aren't familiar with Spratling you are in for a treat. He was an amazing artist with many passions. His silver designs are some of the best of the 20th century and he is widely believed to be the father of the Taxco silver renaissance. Here is Part I.  

The above pitcher was the first piece of Mexican silver I ever saw. It was several years ago in New York at The American Antiques Show in the booth of Stella Rubin. Stella is a top dealer in quilts and jewelry and a good friend. Her eye for great objects is unparalleled in the antiques world and I expect her to always have the best. This sparkling silver and rosewood pitcher stopped me in my tracks. Obviously not American, yet it somehow seemed American in its classic simplicity. And, those perfect proportions--I immediately knew I had to investigate the artist that designed this beautiful object. 

William Spratling (1900-1967) grew up in Alabama, went to college at Auburn, where he fell in love with architecture. He obtained a teaching post at Tulane in New Orleans and there he befriended the writer William Faulkner. 

Spratling in the apartment he shared with William Faulkner on St. Peter Street in New Orleans.

He made this sketch of Faulkner in 1925.

Spratling was a fine illustrator and published several books and many articles on local architecture. More than 100 illustrations were featured in Old Plantation Houses in Louisiana. 

Spratling took his first trip to Mexico in the mid twenties to see the architecture. He fell in love with the country, its people and their arts. He was drawn back to it for three summers  before moving there permanently in 1929. Spratling was lucky to arrive in Mexico at a time when Mexico was in transition. 


Next: Part II
Spratling in Mexican and his role in reviving the Mexican silver industry