I begin the new year with the end of a decades’ long era. This will be the last January Americana auction at Sotheby’s Apparently the American antique department is being shut down. And the question of what happens at Christie’s is unknown, but I was told that John Hays is either already gone or will be soon. For reasons I have never understood I have always wanted to purchase a piece from one of these two auction houses at a January Americana auction. I guess this month is my last chance but there are no pieces I wish to bid on. Alas.
The interesting question is what auction houses will step up and get the consignments (high end often) that Sotheby’s (and Christie’s) fought over. There are some possibilities among the regional auction houses – Brunks, Pook and Pook, New England auctions, Hindman, or Amelia Jeffers in Ohio. I wonder if they are already competing for collectors. But do they have a reputation in handling formal furniture, for example?
If anyone has any thoughts of how this will play itself out, let me know. I will watch with some fascination. Of course, there is a sense of loss – the January auctions at Sotheby’s and Christie’s were always a way to get a feel for the market for the high-end American antiques (and artworks), and there were some barnburner auctions over the years dispensing the best of collections.
I posted the Sotheby’s news on a Facebook page (Americana Hub). Most who offered comments felt other auction houses would take up the slack. Several saw it as great news. One person was concerned what the news meant for the overall health of the Americana marketplace. Our “little niche” can no longer pay its way, and he felt that was “depressing news.” He also offered that offering Americana in front of a NYC audience at high end auctions may have brought in fresh blood to the marketplace. That will no longer take place.
We will find out the impact in the months and years ahead. Stay tuned.
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