31
A Country Federal Style Red and Black Paint Decorated Hanging Shelf
Estimate: $300-$500
Sold
$250
Live Auction
Collect: American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts
Description
A Country Federal Style Red and Black Paint Decorated Hanging Shelf
20th Century, incorporating earlier elements
Height 26 x width 19 1/2 x depth 3 1/2 inches.
Property from the Collection of Addice and Peter Thomas, Fairfax, Virginia
Condition
the upper shaped back panel appears to be made from old wood, showing a few fragile horizontal splits, and with later inserted tiny shelf; the side panels and shelves are later, with a fiberboard back panel; the right-facing side panel with small loss at top attachments, with a small age crack; the entirety of the piece has been newly painted
Provenance
Addice and Peter Thomas, passionate collectors of American and English antiques, amassed a vast collection over their 60-year marriage. Both were active members of the Washington, D.C. arts community. Peter served as Dean of the Corcoran School of Art and later as Art Director at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Addice studied voice and worked for two decades as the manager of the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center.As collectors, their focus was primarily on the 18th and 19th centuries, though they occasionally acquired from earlier periods. They frequently sourced their antiques at shops along the east coast and during their annual trips to the United Kingdom. Their collection is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of items from art, folk art, and decorative arts to sterling silver, tinware, blue granite, pewter, copper and brass. Their collection of English ceramics including ironstone, early Mason’s wares, Gaudy Welsh, Gaudy Dutch, and Staffordshire, numbered in the hundreds. Additionally, they acquired over one hundred Staffordshire figures and child's dishes, Toby jugs, and Dutch ceramics including a striking five-vase garniture. Finally, they had a substantial collection of American and English furniture, child’s furniture and over fifty Persian carpets. Their collection was a testament to their passion for antiques and their dedication to building a truly unique collection.