The year was 1750. Thomas Penn needed to raise some cash. In spite of his father William Penn founding the colony of Pennsylvania in 1681, the family was deeply in debt. They had never seen income from the colony, and…
Imagine you are a soldier in George Washington’s army during the brutal winter of 1777-1778. The air is frigid, and snowflakes fall relentlessly, covering everything in a blanket of white. The cold gnaws at your bones, but it’s not just…
This jewel of a portrait is precious for multiple reasons. It is a virtuoso example of the early work of John Singleton Copley, and is an undeniably beautiful painting. But perhaps equally, it is significant for the private story it…
In an age increasingly driven by fast consumption and disposable goods, owning antiques offers a refreshing alternative that aligns with both sustainability and well-being. Whether it’s antique furniture, fine art, carpets, or decorative accessories, incorporating vintage treasures into your home…
The Timeless Beauty of Antique Pewter: A Glimpse into History and Craftsmanship Pewter, a soft metal alloy consisting primarily of tin mixed with other metals like copper, antimony, and bismuth, has been prized for centuries due to its malleability, durability,…
Pook & Pook is set to host its highly anticipated Annual Holiday Online Only Decorative Arts Auction on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. With live online bidding starting at 9:00 AM, this exclusive auction will showcase over 800 carefully curated lots…
The Coin & Jewelry Auction at Pook & Pook on October 30th is composed of pounds and pounds of gold and many, many carats of diamonds, but my favorite item is of a humble nature. Lot 2228 is an assortment…
Some of the most intriguing lots of jewelry in Pook & Pook’s upcoming Coins & Jewelry auction include examples of Victorian hair jewelry (Lots 1959, 2525, and 2584). The practice of incorporating human hair to create intricately designed bracelets, brooches,…
What does the sensation of beauty look like in a painting? The challenge for Agnes Martin was not to paint a beautiful object, but the sensation of perceiving it; that, when looked at, would be felt by others. “My paintings…
Wm. B. Stark’s Campaign, in the war of 1862-63-64 and 65. Written by himself from his diary kept during the war. William B. Stark kept a diary of his days serving in the Civil War, a fascinating first-person historical account…
Downingtown, Pennsylvania – Pook & Pook will hold our largest Americana & International sale ever, spread over three days, September 25, 26, and 27th. The sale features important single owner collections, as well as many items from private collectors and…
The history of pewter in America is representative of the wider colonial experience. In the late 17th century, Britain passed a series of laws called the Navigation Acts governing colonial trade. The Acts limited the colonies to trading with Britain,…
Two lots not to be missed are #248 and #317. They are a glass perfume bottle and a shadow box frame containing five bottles and a book, items easy enough to walk past without a second glance—but once their context…
An Introduction to Barry Hogan’s Cherished Collection Welcome to a remarkable journey through Barry’s legacy. His name is revered across Lancaster County not only for his impactful contributions to real estate development but also for his profound passion for the…
The April 18th & 19th Americana & International Sale at Pook & Pook will offer one of our broadest assortments of antiques and art to date, everything from antiquities to Amish quilts, English delft chargers to Chinese Export platters, stoneware…
Another of my favorite paintings in the April 18th & 19th sale is also by a Philadelphia native and student of The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Mildred Bunting Miller (1892-1964). Born in Philadelphia, Miller studied at the Academy from…