American art pottery starring in online auction
More than 100 lots of American art pottery, including pieces from the revered Stuart Collection, are set to see Dec. 4, at Turner Auctions + Appraisals.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Turner Auctions + Appraisals is offering the Steve and Linda Stuart Collection of American Art Pottery in an online auction beginning Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. PDT. Acquired over two decades from the Midwest and California by avid enthusiasts and antique dealers, the live online auction features more than 100 lots, including many Arts & Crafts works and a Tiffany Studios lamp. Sale items can be previewed online at LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable, where the online auction will be featured live.
At the Core of a Collection
Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Steve and Linda Stuart collected American art pottery for over 20 years. Steve’s enthusiasm for antiques began well before then. Beginning when he started refurbishing vintage furniture pieces found at farm sales and auctions in the Midwest. He appreciated the older furniture for the better quality and durability.
Over time, the couple evolved beyond collecting furniture to include American art pottery, visiting local flea markets and antique dealers, and even standing in the Michigan snow to acquire items from farm auctions. In the early 1980s, the Stuarts moved from Michigan to Northern California, where the couple’s personal interests took a professional turn. They launched Stuart Antiques, in business from 1985 to 2000, offering farm furniture, American art pottery, Native American rugs, and primitives at antique shows and San Francisco Bay Area collectives like the Antique Society of Sebastopol. For Steve, dealing in antiques and refurbishing furniture became a full-time job; Linda worked elsewhere, but enthusiastically assisted in their retail and collecting ventures.
The items in the upcoming sale are from the Stuarts’ own private collection, showcased in their home, and never shown or offered for sale by them. Among their treasures are Arts & Crafts pottery from Grueby, Teco, Van Briggle and others; and a Tiffany Studios lamp acquired in the 1980s.
Sharing a Passion for American Art Pottery
Steve passed away in 1995. Recently, Linda decided to return to her Michigan roots to be close to family. As she moved and downsized, the couple’s precious collection of American art pottery has been in storage. As she offers her collection for sale, Linda says, “Steve and I had a wonderful time collecting through the years. I hope others can now enjoy them as much as we did.”
Learn more about the Dec. 4 American art pottery auction at www.turnerauctionsonline.com.
