In October 2012 I was asked by the Daphne Farago family to empty their property of almost 40 years in Little Compton, Rhode Island so that the house could be sold. This was an exciting project and massive endeavor involving the disbursement of a major collection of art, craft and design of the last four decades, as well as all the furnishings from linens and dishes to antiques.
There were approximately 300 objects to be packed and transported to the Daphne and Peter Farago Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston by U.S. Art Company. There were hundreds of objects, collections and household items to be appraised by Skinner and disbursed among three sons and six homes along the eastern seaboard by way of three dedicated trucks. Each day I emailed photos of Fiestaware, folk art, drawings, glass, ceramics, fibers, furniture and rugs to the boys to see who wanted what. Just a few of the thousands of photographs are here.
The project was, to everyone's amazement, accomplished in six weeks. First priority was the museum, then the famiily, then a consignment shop for the couture, then an estate sale, then Daphne's favorite community thrift shop. Other than what U.S. Art Company took to the museum, Daphne's wonderful and dedicated housekeeper and I packed every item. It took three Uline truck deliveries of tissue, bubble wrap, boxes and tape. Each son had a tape color that showed everyone where the box had to go.
A number of items that were declined by the museum due to duplication went to Bonham's in New York. At the time of this writing, in September 2015, there are still four very nice things from Daphne's collection available at upcoming Bonham,'s auctions in New York and LA - Janet Prip vase and candlesticks, Tom Loeser oak chest of drawers, a Ron Kent bowl, and a fabulous large Richard DeVore. You can see find these by searching Bonham's USA website.
It was a distinct and memorable project not only because the collection was so lovely to handle on an intimate level, but because the
Farago family, their financial adviser, and staff of two were all so wonderful to work with, and very grateful they didn't have to do it themselves.
A number of items that were declined by the museum due to duplication went to Bonham's in New York. At the time of this writing, in September 2015, there are still four very nice things from Daphne's collection available at upcoming Bonham,'s auctions in New York and LA - Janet Prip vase and candlesticks, Tom Loeser oak chest of drawers, a Ron Kent bowl, and a fabulous large Richard DeVore. You can see find these by searching Bonham's USA website.
It was a distinct and memorable project not only because the collection was so lovely to handle on an intimate level, but because the
Farago family, their financial adviser, and staff of two were all so wonderful to work with, and very grateful they didn't have to do it themselves.
Guest room showing Tom Loeser chest being sold at Bonham's NYC on December 17, 2015.
Family and friends at the opening of the Daphne and Peter Farago Gallery
at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 2011.
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Master bedroom and basket collection.
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Thomas Loeser Chest of Drawers, 1992
Carved and painted oak, milk paint
33 x 67 x 21 inches
Gift to Los Angeles Museum of Art, 2017
Exhibited at Sixty Five Drawers, Eleven Doors and Four Lids, Peter Joseph Gallery, New York, 1992
Copyright 2017. Elliott Arts West. All rights reserved.