Woodblock prints impressing investors
In December, Treadway-Toomey Galleries of Oak Park, Illinois, had the opportunity to sell one of the best Arts & Crafts collections ever to come to market, which prominently featured items by Stickley, Grueby and Tiffany. Bidders were especially impressed with the color woodblock prints.
OAK PARK, Ill. — On December 6, 2014, Treadway-Toomey Auctions sold the Collection of Robert and Elaine Diloff, described as the best collection of Arts & Crafts to ever come to auction.
To set the tone for the day, a rare Gustav Stickley table sold for $20,740 at the
beginning of the sale, above its estimate of $8,000 to $12,000. A few lots later a Stickley sideboard with a high estimate of $20,000 sold for $36,600. Another Stickley item, this one a plant stand with a large matte green Grueby tile, absolutely soared past its presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000, finally selling for $51,850 after heavy bidding. Following this trend, two additional Gustav Stickley pieces brought well above their estimates: A portfolio stand estimated at $8,000 to $12,000 sold for $30,500, and a large hexagonal table went for $30,500 as well, far above the high estimate of $15,000.
A Grueby Faience vase by George Kendrick estimated at $12,000 to $17,000 brought $26,840, while a Tiffany Studios and Grueby Swirling Leaf table lamp sold for $32,940. Similarly, a Dirk Van Erp table lamp brought $79,300.
There was intense interest in color woodblock prints, specifically Sequoia Forest by Gustave Baumann that sold for $20,740, above its estimate of $7,000 to $9,000, and a vivid blue Morning Glories print by Edna Boies Hopkins that went for $15,000.
Metalworks also performed well. A Jessie Preston bronze candlestick that was estimated at $3,000 to $5,000 sold for $10,370, while a rare Mulholland Brothers tea and coffee service silver set far exceeded the high estimate of $8,000 when it went for $17,500.
For more information on the Tradway-Toomey Gallery, visit www.treadwaygallery.com.
