U.S. folk art and furniture bring history, craft and comfort to the home interior. A Sotheby’s auction highlights rare finds, writes Melissa Feldman
Celebrated designer Ken Fulk guest-curates the pre-sale installation of “Visions of America” at Sotheby’s New York. Photo: Pascal Perich, courtesy of Sotheby’s
After introducing the inaugural “Visions of America” sale and event series in 2024, dedicated to American artistry and craftsmanship, Sotheby’s returns for the second edition this January. Offering over 500 pieces ranging from the 17th century to the present, the Americana program spans furniture, folk art, portraiture, decorative arts, silver, fashion as well as maps, prints and even whiskey.
“We have amazing folk art this year,” says Caroline Tamposi, a specialist and assistant vice president of Americana at Sotheby’s, about sale highlights such as portraits attributed to itinerant 19th-century artist Ruth Whittier Shute (and Samuel Addison Shute) and an early Edward Hicks painting in a decorative wood frame, “Washington Passing the Delaware,” 1817. Tamposi works alongside Erik Gronning, Sotheby’s head of Americana, developing the department and coordinating sales such as the stellar collection from scholar and conservationist William K. du Pont in 2022, referred to as a “holy grail of Americana.”
The Hendrickson Family Pair of Queen Anne Paint-Decorated Side Chairs, painted by Daniel Hendrickson, Jr., circa 1770. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s
Star lots in this year’s “Visions of America” series are being offered from major collectors, including Savannah-based architect Vance Peacock and New Jersey-based scholars Peter and Leslie Warwick. Peacock, along with Darren Bryenton—his partner in business and life—is letting go of select works from a vast collection of Americana accumulated over 20 years, much of which features in their 1850s townhouse in the Savannah historic district. At the architectural design firm (the duo runs with Susan Bayne; Peacock Bryenton Bayne), they also create stylish interiors that incorporate antiques. “American painted furniture and folk art from New England tend to bring the high-brow interior down to a more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and livable interior space,” says Peacock.
Martin Johnson Heade, “Hummingbirds and Gold and Purple Orchids,” circa 1875-83. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s
“I do find that folk art tends to be more forgiving when mixing with other styles,” says Tamposi about integrating period pieces into a modern scheme. After hearing about Peacock and Bryenton’s wish to downsize, Tamposi—who describes the couple’s eclectic style as “fearless”—jumped at the chance to include rare items in her upcoming sale, all guest-curated by the celebrated designer and creative director Ken Fulk.
Fulk adds his own signature oeuvre to the pre-sale installation, on view January 17-24 at Sotheby’s New York, by incorporating 18 of his personal favorite lots into an engaging arrangement. “My work has always been about creating experiences that transport people—whether through a space, a moment or a story,” says Fulk about his design philosophy, which encompasses chic interiors for hospitality, residential and everything in between. Fulk’s choices include timeless objects like An American Silver Coffee Pot, 1770-75, by silversmith and American Revolutionary War folk hero Paul Revere II, alongside a grand Silver Bacchus Punch Bowl from Tiffany & Co., circa 1873.
Paul Revere II, An American Silver Coffee Pot, 1770–75. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s
Tamposi explains her goal today is to inspire the younger collector—after acknowledging a generational shift in collecting Americana that emphasizes an older demographic. “I do think the shift is toward a more eclectic approach that aligns with collectors like Vance Peacock. People are going to buy from all categories to express themselves. If it’s well made and you like the look, you should buy it,” she says.
Fulk concludes, “To me, American innovation is about boundless creativity and the freedom to imagine the extraordinary. It’s the ability to dream big, take risks, and stay true to your vision while embracing the diversity that makes this country so inspiring.”
Find out more about “Visions of America.” Our Collecting Focus series also features expert advice on wine, watches and historic books
