Marblehead Pottery

At Home with Gustav Stickley: American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT. October 11, 2008-January 4, 2009

Overall in very good condition. When examined under black light, there are no visible traces of any prior restoration. A few of the vases with a few very light surface scratches and minor abrasion marks to the exterior. The group presents beautifully together, displaying great balance in form and glaze color.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Stephen Gray is widely regarded as one of the great pioneering collectors and connoisseurs in the field of American arts and crafts.  In 1976, the acquisition of a weekend retreat in Columbia County, New York inspired him to assemble a collection of furnishings that were compatible with the architectural history of the area.  He educated himself by diligently researching the original trade catalogues from the period, many of which he was later responsible for reprinting.  With an emphasis on the earliest production years of Gustav Stickley, Stephen refined his collection over the last thirty years to represent the very best in furniture, lighting, ceramics, metalwork and woodcut prints.  His collection was recently celebrated in the exhibition, At Home with Gustav Stickley:  American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, at the Wadsworth Atheneum, to whom he has gifted a significant portion of his collection.  The majority of works presented here were exhibited in this venue.