The Home of Folk Art

Thomas Gray – The Golden Eye

Thomas Gray, collector since the age of 8, has shown what the scholarly collecting of what you love will reward not only the collector but those who are honored to purchase such a piece.  Brunk Auctions of Asheville had the on site sale of a lifetime – Thomas Gray’s that is.  Held on site at one of the most beautiful and historic places in North Carolina, Old Salem, was  an auction sure to be talked about for years to come.  Thoughtfully displayed in his restored historic home, live amongst for years, now part of auction lore and many lucky buyers personal collection!   While the sale was full of wonderful period furniture, porcelain, important prints (a rare Savannah engraving selling for $69,000), Delft and other period accessories, it was the folk art I would like to share.   While not the contemporary folk art we usually focus on, I think it is fair to say we all find it fascinating to see what the market will bear when wonderful objects come up for auction in this economic climate.   Good stuff seems to always do well.

Eastern Shore Virginia Corner Cupboard - photo by Brunk Auctions

The first most notable piece was a fantastic painted and rare Eastern Shore of Virginia corner cupboard.   While having some restoration, it carried a modest estimate of $12-18,000.   Spirited bidding found the piece a new home for $69,000.

Shelton Sister Baskets - photo by Brunk Auctions

In a previous post on this website, an article of what makes a great basket was discussed by Ken Farmer and I feel he would not be disappointed with the lot of 5 baskets made by the Shelton sisters.   While the mastery of the weaving is clearly apparent, the beauty of the baskets is equally wonderful.   No paint decoration, just a simply elegant form.   Estimated at $10-15,000 they sold for $31,050.

Pennsylvania Fraktur - photo by Brunk Auctions

Frakturs are always a good selling item and when combined with a wonderful period paint decorated frame the competition is stiff.   This wonderful stag was sold for $4370 (est $500-1000).

North Carolina Chippendale Cellaret - photo by Brunk Auctions

While not truly folk art, southern furniture seems to be coming into its own and bringing strong prices commensurate with it’s Northern counterparts.   This apparent in the North Carolina Chippendale cellaret estimated at $40-60,000 that was hammered at $161,000.

Where the market was a shock, was in the hooked and shirred rugs.   Talking to dealers in the recent past, it seemed they had softened in the market.

New England Bias Shirred Rug - photo by Brunk Auctions

You would not have know that here.   While the wonderful book on hooked rugs says in its title “Folk Art Underfoot,” I would not walk on these.   They are amazing survivors and an art form that must be seem to be appreciated.   Some of the most wonderful examples to sell in recent memory were all found in one place.   I guess size matters in this case with the New England bias shirred rug which measured 6 1/2 feet across by 33 inches.  Estimated at $5-10,000, it sold for an amazing $43,700.

New England Bias Shirred Rug Barnyard Animals - photo by Brunk Auctions

Another equally beautiful rug featuring the most wonderful representation of barnyard animals was sold for $34,500!  One of the more whimsical and fun rugs was one featuring two bears standing and enjoying a mug of beer selling for $5060.

Hooked Rug Drinking Bears - photo by Brunk Auctions

Finally, one of the rugs featured in a wonderful book written by Joel and Kate Kopp was this fine yarn sewn and chenille shirred rug estimated at $10-20,000 that sold for $39,100.

Maine, Signed, Yarn-sewn, & Chenille Shirred Rug - photo by Brunk Auction

What can you take away from this?   Buy what you love and stretch to buy the best – you usually will not be disappointed or let down when time comes to sell.   I had the opportunity for Mr. Gray to visit my home before I was aware of the collection he had amassed.   He was as gracious as a man could be and took interest in my collection as if it was the best he had ever seen!   A humble man clearly supporting a young collectors enthusiasm.   I am glad I did not know of his collection before he saw mine as I would have been a bit embarrassed.

For more information on the Brunk Auction of the Thomas Gray collection click here.

- Christian Daniel