In the world of museums, the careful management of collections is essential for maintaining their cultural and educational missions. However, as collections grow over time, there are often items that become outdated, irrelevant, or simply take up valuable storage space. Deaccessioning—removing an item from the museum’s permanent collection—is a vital process that many museums are increasingly considering. This practice, while controversial at times, offers numerous benefits to museums, especially in the context of raising funds, reducing expenditures, and sustaining long-term operations.

1. Raising Funds to Further the Museum’s Mission

One of the most immediate and powerful benefits of deaccessioning is the potential to raise funds that can be reinvested into the museum’s mission. Selling unused or unnecessary objects can generate significant revenue that allows museums to fund educational programs, preserve and care for their remaining collections, purchase relevant items for exhibition, or invest in much-needed renovations and expansions.

Museums that are struggling with financial constraints can often turn to deaccessioning as a way to bolster their financial health. Funds from selling items can support essential operational costs, such as staff salaries, acquisitions of new works, and special exhibits that attract visitors and raise awareness of the museum’s value to the community.

2. Decreased Expenditures on Storage

Museums face significant costs related to the storage and maintenance of their collections. As collections expand, the need for storage space grows, sometimes requiring costly off-site warehouses, climate control systems, and specialized storage materials. These expenses can quickly add up, diverting resources away from more pressing priorities.

By deaccessioning unused or irrelevant items, museums can downsize their storage requirements and, in turn, reduce expenditures. Fewer items mean fewer resources spent on preserving, storing, and managing objects that no longer serve the museum’s mission. It also creates a more organized and manageable collection that can be more effectively cared for, with limited staff and financial resources.

3. Addressing the Rising Costs of Maintaining a Museum

The rising costs of running a museum—due to inflation, increasing insurance premiums, and a general increase in operational expenses—pose challenges for many institutions. For smaller museums or those facing decreased attendance, deaccessioning offers a practical solution to offset these rising costs.

Museum maintenance, including cleaning, climate control, and security, becomes increasingly expensive as collections grow. By divesting of non-essential objects, museums can free up space and reduce the ongoing costs associated with maintaining these items, ultimately allowing them to focus resources on the more critical elements of their collection.

4. Managing Decreased Attendance and Donations

Many museums are also grappling with decreased attendance, which translates into lower revenues from ticket sales, special programs, and merchandise. This decline in visitors can also affect the volume of new donations. As public interest wanes, some museums face an overabundance of donated items that may not fit with their collection strategy or mission.

Deaccessioning allows museums to streamline their collections and ensure that the items they hold remain relevant to their audience and objectives. It also gives museums the ability to recapture space that may be used for more engaging exhibits or visitor-focused areas, boosting the overall visitor experience. Reducing the clutter of donated items helps curators focus on the most important pieces, which can drive further engagement and public interest.

5. The Power of Auctions for Quick and Efficient Sales

A popular and efficient way for museums to deaccession and sell unwanted items is through auctions. Auction houses are well-equipped to handle all aspects of the deaccessioning process, from advertising and marketing to photographing and listing items for sale. This method offers a quick turnaround and minimizes the administrative burden on museum staff, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.

Auctions also have the advantage of bringing in specialized audiences interested in specific types of objects, such as collectors or enthusiasts who are looking for unique pieces. Auctions handle the logistics of insuring items, photographing them, writing descriptions, and collecting payments, which would otherwise require significant time and effort from the museum’s staff.

Moreover, because auctions often attract competitive bids, museums can sell items for higher-than-expected prices. This can generate a greater revenue than other methods of selling, benefiting the museum’s financial standing and ensuring that the object is placed in the hands of someone who truly values it.

6. Ethical and Transparent Deaccessioning Practices

While deaccessioning is a valuable tool for museums, it must be done with great care and consideration. Museums must adhere to ethical guidelines and be transparent about the process. For instance, the proceeds from deaccessioning should generally be used for purposes directly related to the museum’s mission, such as the acquisition of new objects, educational programs, or conservation efforts.

Additionally, museum staff and trustees must ensure that deaccessioning is not used solely as a financial strategy but as part of a well-considered plan to improve the overall collection and the museum’s sustainability. Clear policies and communication with stakeholders, including donors and patrons, are essential for maintaining trust and credibility in the community.

Conclusion

Deaccessioning offers museums a strategic way to generate funds, reduce storage costs, and manage the rising financial pressures they face. Selling unused or irrelevant items—through the efficient and streamlined process of auctions—can help museums maintain their operations and improve the visitor experience, ultimately allowing them to continue their valuable work in education, culture, and preservation. By embracing deaccessioning as a tool for financial sustainability, museums can ensure that their collections remain meaningful, focused, and aligned with their long-term goals, all while securing the resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.

Pook & Pook presents at auction the renowned collection of John A. and Judith C. Herdeg of Mendenhall, Pennsylvania. The Herdegs were dedicated collectors with a lifelong passion for 18^th century history and decorative art. Over their lives, they built one of the finest collections of Colonial American portraits in private hands. The Herdeg Collection is an important record of early Americans and artists.

Early portraits were available to the few who could afford it. During the latter half of the eighteenth century, burgeoning trade expanded the merchant and middle classes, expanding the number of Americans desiring to mark their achievements by recording their likenesses. Personal aspects such as social position, occupation, accomplishments, and character, were factored in to the composition of their portraits.  Early American portrait painters collected by John and Judy Herdeg range from the very earliest to the brilliance of John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart.

The artist known as The Pollard Limner (Boston, fl. 1690-1730) is identified on the basis of his 1721 portrait of Anne Pollard. He probably had no formal training as a painter, but painted in the Baroque Stuart tradition of the period. In the 1720’s, he was Boston’s leading portrait artist. The Herdeg portrait is of an ancestor of Judy’s, Elizabeth Bill Henshaw. Elizabeth was from a wealthy Boston merchant family and is portrayed before an Arcadian landscape.

Gerardus Duyckinck (New York, 1695-1746) is another early painter from New Amsterdam, from a family of glazier-limners that became America’s first dynasty of painters. He painted the prominent Dutch settlers of New York. Like much else in New Netherlands, his style was drawn from current Dutch culture, and employed a greater use of light and shadow to model the figure. In this portrait, in the words of John Herdeg, a young lady “is presented as a princess of the New World, with the untamed wilderness over the garden wall behind her.”

Works of both early artists are exceedingly rare.

John Smibert (American/British, 1688-1751) was America’s first professional painter. Trained in late Baroque portraiture in London and Italy, he was an established London artist. Invited to travel to Bermuda to teach painting at a new college for colonists, he sailed in 1728. Funding for the school never came through, and after a year of waiting, the project failed. Smibert then travelled to Boston. His 1729 arrival is regarded as a pivotal moment in American art. His superior skill made him one of the foremost portrait artists in colonial America. Boston’s wealthy merchant families flocked to him for their portraits. His studio displayed both his own works and old master copies, and extended his influence, remaining open over fifty years after his death. A talented architect, it was Smibert who drew the plans for Faneuil Hall, Boston’s first public market.

The portraits collected by John and Judy Herdeg trace the beginning and development of painting in America, and preserve for posterity the faces and ideals of early Americans.

Join us on January 16^th and 17^th, 2025, for our Americana & International sale to view the Herdeg Collection, as well as other important collections and estates.

By: Cynthia Beech Lawrence

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 the weather you’re fighting. The army is suffering, deeply lacking in supplies, food, proper shelter, and even basic clothing. The tattered remnants of your uniform offer little protection from the biting wind, and you notice the holes growing bigger in your only pair of socks. To make matters worse, three buttons have just fallen off your coat, leaving it in an even more ragged state.

There are no tailors around to patch up your clothes, and no women to lend a hand with sewing. So, you reach into your kit and pull out your housewife—a small, practical sewing kit that you’ve carried with you since the start of the campaign. It’s a lifeline, and now it’s time to put it to work. You thread the needle carefully, your fingers stiff from the cold, and begin the slow process of mending what little you have. Each stitch is a small act of survival, a reminder that despite the hardships, you will continue to stand, to fight, and to endure.

The term “housewife” first appeared in print in 1749. Also known by various names such as huswife, huswif, hussif, or even hussy, the housewife was a practical sewing kit, typically crafted from fabric or leather. It featured multiple pockets and was secured with ribbon or string when rolled up. Inside, it contained essential sewing tools and notions, including snips, needles, thread, buttons, and measuring tape, among others. These humble kits have been a staple for soldiers since the 18th century, and some still carry them today. After all, a soldier’s world had to be compact, portable, and ready for anything.

Soldiers often honed their skills on the battlefield, but during times of recovery, wounded warriors began turning to needlework as a form of therapy, using it to pass the time and regain a sense of purpose while healing from their injuries. But how did these soldiers acquire the personal sewing kits that became so vital to their recovery? Originally, housewives were given as farewell gifts, tokens of care and practicality. By the 19th century, however, they became standard issue for each soldier. During World War II, women’s groups took up the cause, including these kits in their care packages sent to soldiers overseas.

Recently, a Marine serving in the Vietnam War recalled writing to his eleven-year-old sister, asking if she might help put together a few of these kits for him and his comrades. Six weeks later, his platoon received a large box from her school, containing nearly 200 housewives, each with a handwritten note from the child who had made it. The Marine reflected on how deeply touched he and his fellow platoon members were by the gesture, a small yet meaningful reminder of home and care. One of the more poignant stories the Marine shared involved a soldier who, while on patrol, had to stitch up a fellow soldier’s shrapnel wound using the tools from his housewife. In that moment, the kit was more than just a practical tool—it was a lifeline, a symbol of resourcefulness, and a reminder of the bonds forged in the most trying of circumstances.

The humble housewife, however, is not without its share of controversy. In 2019, the UK Minister of Defense sparked debate when he declared the term “housewife” outdated and no longer suitable. This decision was made stemming from accusations of sexism, as the military had used the term to refer to the small, practical sewing kits.

Although sewing kits remain available to soldiers through the military, they are no longer issued as standard equipment. These practical tools have become a rare and cherished item for collectors. Pook & Pook will be auctioning one such example. With embroidery showcasing the owners name and the phrases “Remember me”, “Forget me not” and “When you are far.” We invite you to take a moment to explore Lot 350 in our upcoming January Americana Sale, where you’ll have the chance to bid on a distinguished representation of a housewife, a testament to both history and craftsmanship.

by Erika Lombardo

-hylandhouse.org

-so-sew-easy.com

-civilwartalk.com

-emergingcivilwar.com

-independent.co.uk

-“Hard Tack and Coffee” by John D. Billings

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 or lifestyle can contribute significantly to a healthier living space and a more environmentally conscious way of life.

1. Environmental Benefits: Sustainability and Conservation

One of the most significant advantages of owning antiques is the positive impact it has on the environment. By choosing second-hand items, particularly those made decades or centuries ago, you’re engaging in a form of recycling that preserves resources and reduces waste. Here’s how:

Reduction of Demand for New Manufacturing:

Every new item produced requires resources—wood, metal, textiles, and energy—often involving harmful extraction processes, like deforestation and mining, and emitting carbon through production. By buying antiques, you decrease the demand for new manufacturing, ultimately reducing the environmental strain of extracting raw materials and the pollution associated with mass production.

Longevity and Durability:

Antiques are often made with superior craftsmanship and materials, meaning they tend to last longer than modern counterparts. For instance, antique furniture is frequently constructed from hardwoods that are now rare or endangered, which means they’re not just aesthetically pleasing but also sturdy enough to withstand years or even centuries of use. This longevity means fewer replacements are needed, helping to reduce the overall consumption of resources.

Lower Carbon Footprint:

The transportation of antiques, especially locally sourced items, tends to have a lower carbon footprint compared to shipping mass-produced furniture and decor from overseas. Plus, since these items have already been made, their production emissions are in the past, meaning they don’t contribute to the ongoing environmental costs of manufacturing.

2. Health Benefits: Purity, Well-being, and Mental Peace

The health benefits of owning antiques are often overlooked, but they can contribute greatly to a healthier home environment in both physical and psychological terms.

Improved Indoor Air Quality:

Unlike many modern furniture items, which are often treated with chemical finishes, varnishes, or flame retardants, antique pieces tend to have a more natural composition. Antique wooden furniture, for example, was often made with organic oils and waxes, which are much less likely to emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. This makes antiques a healthier choice for indoor environments, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals that can cause headaches, nausea, or even long-term respiratory problems.

A Sense of Calm and Emotional Well-being:

There’s something inherently calming about antiques. Their aged patina, craftsmanship, and history give them a sense of permanence and stability that modern, mass-produced items simply can’t match. Surrounding yourself with antiques can promote a sense of mindfulness and emotional well-being, reducing stress and contributing to a peaceful, grounded atmosphere in your home.

The tactile nature of antiques—whether it’s the smoothness of an antique chair, the rich texture of a Persian carpet, or the warmth of an old wooden table—also engages your senses in a more profound way than newer, synthetic materials. This sensory engagement helps to establish a deeper connection with your surroundings, enhancing your home’s ambiance.

A Better Sleep Environment:

Antique carpets and textiles, often made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, are less likely to harbor harmful chemicals than modern rugs or bedding. Wool, in particular, is naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and resistant to dust mites. With fewer chemicals in your living space, you’re fostering a healthier sleep environment, which can lead to improved quality of rest and overall health.

3. Cultural and Psychological Benefits: The Power of History and Craftsmanship

Owning antiques is not just a matter of preserving physical objects; it’s about preserving culture and history. These objects often carry with them stories of craftsmanship, heritage, and generations past. Here’s how these elements can positively impact your mental health and outlook on life:

Connection to the Past:

When you purchase an antique, you’re often purchasing a piece of history. Whether it’s a hand-painted piece of fine art, a vintage rug woven by artisans, or a piece of furniture built by skilled craftspeople, antiques provide a direct link to the past. This connection can foster a sense of continuity and provide psychological comfort, helping individuals feel grounded and more connected to the world around them.

Appreciation of Craftsmanship:

Antiques often represent a level of craftsmanship that has been lost over time, with handmade details and intricate designs. Whether it’s an 18th-century mahogany cabinet or a Persian rug, these items showcase human ingenuity and skill. Owning and caring for these items can inspire a greater appreciation for the artistry involved and a deeper respect for the value of quality, skill, and time.

Unique Aesthetic:

Antiques allow for the creation of a home environment that feels distinctly personal. Their one-of-a-kind nature helps create spaces that reflect individual style and taste, offering comfort in a world of cookie-cutter modernity. For many, the thought of living in a space filled with mass-produced furniture and art can feel impersonal, whereas antiques often evoke a sense of warmth, familiarity, and uniqueness that promotes positive emotions and a deeper attachment to one’s surroundings.

4. Financial and Social Benefits:

Finally, owning antiques can be financially rewarding. Over time, the value of well-maintained antique pieces can appreciate, making them not just beautiful but also valuable investments. Moreover, owning antique pieces often sparks conversation, and collectors often form communities where they can share knowledge and experiences. This social connection can be both mentally enriching and emotionally fulfilling, contributing to a sense of community and belonging.

The decision to incorporate antiques into your home or lifestyle is more than just about aesthetics; it’s about making choices that align with sustainability, health, and well-being. Antiques offer a unique blend of environmental benefits, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering your carbon footprint, alongside the psychological and health benefits of a toxin-free, emotionally rich living environment. Additionally, their historical significance, superior craftsmanship, and potential financial value provide added rewards. By embracing antiques, you can create a healthier, more environmentally conscious, and culturally enriching space for yourself and future generations to enjoy.

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, and stunning appearance. Antique pewter, in particular, offers a fascinating window into the past—its design, craftsmanship, and use reflecting the culture and technology of the time. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and appeal of antique pewter, and why it continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.

A Brief History of Pewter

The use of pewter dates back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Rome, and Greece, where it was used for everything from simple tools to ornate vessels. However, it was during the Middle Ages in Europe that pewter became especially prominent. By the 12th century, it was commonly used in household items like drinking vessels, plates, and candlesticks, especially among the nobility and wealthy merchants.

One of the main reasons for pewter’s widespread use during these periods was its accessibility. Unlike precious metals like silver or gold, pewter was relatively affordable yet still had a lustrous, metallic appearance that appealed to those wanting to emulate wealth and status. As technology advanced, so did pewter craftsmanship. By the 17th and 18th centuries, artisans began creating more intricate and decorative pieces, which continue to be highly prized by collectors today.

Characteristics of Antique Pewter

To the untrained eye, antique pewter might seem like an ordinary metal, but closer inspection reveals the unique qualities that set it apart.

1. Color and Finish: Antique pewter has a soft, silvery-gray hue that develops a patina over time. The sheen of older pewter can vary, with some pieces maintaining a polished luster while others have a more matte or aged appearance due to years of use and exposure to the elements. The patina is one of the key features that collectors often seek, as it adds character and authenticity.
2. Weight: Pewter is a dense metal, heavier than aluminum or some modern alloys, but lighter than silver. Antique pewter objects often feel solid in the hand, which is part of their charm. However, the weight can also be an indicator of authenticity—modern reproductions might use lighter, less durable alloys that don’t carry the same heft.
3. Craftsmanship: One of the most defining aspects of antique pewter is the level of craftsmanship. Many pieces were made by hand, with artisans carefully casting, shaping, and sometimes engraving intricate designs. The seams, markings, and tool marks on antique pewter pieces are often a hallmark of their hand-crafted origins.
4. Patina and Tarnish: Over time, pewter naturally develops a patina that enhances its aesthetic appeal. While some collectors prefer to leave this tarnish intact to preserve the “age” of the item, others may choose to clean it to restore the piece’s original appearance. It’s important to note that antique pewter should be cleaned with care to avoid damaging its surface.

Common Antique Pewter Pieces

Antique pewter was used to create a wide range of household items, many of which are still highly collectible today. Some of the most sought-after pieces include:

1. Tankards and Mugs: Pewter tankards were commonly used in taverns and homes during the 17th and 18th centuries. These drinking vessels often feature beautifully crafted lids, handles, and engraved designs. Early tankards might be adorned with coats of arms, names, or intricate floral patterns.
2. Plates and Bowls: Pewter plates and bowls were popular for everyday use in homes before the widespread availability of porcelain and other more affordable dinnerware. These items were often hand-hammered or cast and could feature decorative borders or be embossed with symbols or patterns.
3. Candelabras and Candlesticks: Pewter was a popular material for candlesticks and candelabras, as it could withstand the heat of candle flames and was easy to mold into ornate designs. Antique pewter candlesticks are often found in a range of styles, from simple, utilitarian forms to elaborate, multi-armed designs that reflect the sophistication of the period.
4. Inkwells and Writing Accessories: During the 17th and 18th centuries, pewter inkwells, pens, and desk accessories were used by scholars, writers, and professionals. These items often featured engraved patterns or the initials of their owners, making them fascinating historical artifacts.
5. Figurines and Decorative Objects: While pewter was largely functional, it was also used for decorative pieces like figurines, jewelry boxes, and small sculptures. These items could be finely detailed and often reflected the artistic trends of the time.

The Appeal of Antique Pewter Today

The allure of antique pewter lies not just in its historical significance, but also in its enduring beauty and craftsmanship. As more modern materials have emerged, pewter has fallen out of everyday use, making vintage pieces increasingly rare and desirable. Whether it’s the gleam of a pewter tankard, the delicacy of a hand-engraved plate, or the rustic charm of a candleholder, antique pewter brings a sense of timeless elegance to any collection.

For collectors, antique pewter offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of past centuries. Each piece tells a story—whether it’s the craftsmanship of a 17th-century pewterer or the history of a family who used it for generations. The joy of collecting antique pewter isn’t just about acquiring an object; it’s about preserving a piece of history.

Care and Preservation

To ensure that your antique pewter pieces continue to shine for years to come, it’s important to care for them properly. While pewter is durable, it can still tarnish and lose its luster over time if not maintained. Here are some tips for preserving antique pewter:

• Avoid harsh cleaners: Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on antique pewter, as these can scratch or discolor the surface.
• Gentle cleaning: If tarnish builds up, use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner designed for pewter. Mild soap and warm water can also be effective for light cleaning.
• Store carefully: Keep pewter items away from excessive moisture or heat, as these can damage the metal over time.
• Consider professional restoration: If your pewter piece has significant tarnish or damage, it may be worth seeking a professional conservator who specializes in metal restoration.

Conclusion

Antique pewter is more than just a metal; it is a testament to the skill of past artisans and the tastes of bygone eras. From the intricate designs of tankards to the simple elegance of candlesticks, antique pewter continues to captivate collectors with its beauty and history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice with a budding interest, antique pewter offers a timeless way to connect with the past and add a touch of elegance to your home. Its lasting appeal lies in both its craftsmanship and its ability to bridge the gap between history and the present, making it a cherished part of any collection.

Please be sure to join us in January 2025 for Part II of the Pewter Collection of Dr. Melvyn & Bette Wolf.