Recent News

Willard family of clockmakers article in Design New England

On July 9, 2012 in Interviews, Press, Publications by Matt Buckley

Gary and I were very pleased to be interviewed for an article that appears in Design New England this month. The article is an overview of the Willard family of clockmakers and centers around the author's visit to the Willard House and Clock Museum, in Grafton, Massachusetts. While our most scholarly readers and clients may find it elemental, it is targeted toward the emerging collector. We view it as an important opportunity to reach these readers as they begin to explore antique collecting. A grandfather clock or banjo clock is often a first purchase for our new clients. The impact of a fine American clock, as a focal point in an entryway or living room, sets a theme around which to decorate. Follow this link to read the entire article by Bruce Irving.

"Harbor & Home" Wins Historic New England Book Prize

October 1, 2010 We are delighted to announce that Harbor & Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710–1850, co-authored by our own Gary Sullivan, Winterthur professor Brock Jobe and independent scholar Jack O’Brien, is the winner of the 16th annual Historic New England Book Prize. As a recognized clock expert, Gary Sullivan has for many years been involved in gathering information on the early clock making industry in Southeastern Massachusetts. The product of this research has been documented in a book which Gary co-authored with Jack O’Brien and noted furniture scholar Brock Jobe. Working together with The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, they have been studying the furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts from the William and Mary period through the Classical and Empire periods (circa 1710-1850). The result of the study is the first detailed catalog of the furniture making industry in this vital New England region. The project culminated in the 2009 release of a book entitled Harbor and Home; Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710-1850. It was released in conjunction with a traveling museum exhibition, which opened at Winterthur and then traveled to the ...
The Recent Purchase of an Aaron Willard, Jr. Tall Clock

August 1, 2010 "I bought an Aaron Willard tall-case clock with a spectacular Boston-made dial depicting a fisherman in the lunette, a fine old surface, and with a mint paper label inside the door and a fine old surface," said Sharon, Massachusetts, dealer Gary Sullivan on the phone, incredulous at his good luck. "I found it on line," said Sullivan, "but it wasn't given away." Maine Antique Digest, August, 2010.
Keeping Time media exposure

September 30, 2013 The exhibit is fully installed and open to the public as of Sunday October 6th. Opening night was a huge success with enthusiastic response from all attendees. It looks fantastic and what an amazing group of clocks, they are each a masterpiece. The media exposure for the show has begun to roll out and I will post related stories to this article as the are published online. Thus far we have a piece on ArtFix Daily and a recorded tune from the Asa Munger tall clock at The Magazine Antiques site. Gary's and Kate's article has from The Magazine Antiques can now be downloaded here. The New York Times has featured a story about the exhibit in the Antiques column by Eve Kahn You can visit the Willard House and Clock Museum site for details and directions.
Exceptional antique dwarf clock by Joshua Wilder acquired.

May 12, 2011 We were thrilled to purchase an exceptional clock at the March 6th Americana sale at Skinner Auctions. The circa 1822 dwarf clock, standing about four feet high is an exact miniature of a tall case (grandfather) clock. Early 19th century dwarf clocks from the Hingham/Hanover area, on the South Shore of Massachusetts, are highly prized by collectors. We purchased the clock for $189,600. on behalf of a private collector. Although not a record for a dwarf clock, this is one of the highest prices paid at public auction. Skinner's auction is reviewed at the Maine antique digest, click to read the article. Two of the reasons why it sold for so much more than what dwarf clocks typically bring are the combination of remarkable condition and superb form. Dwarf clocks were produced with various case styles and some command higher prices than others. Most dwarf clocks with a high degree of originality sell in the $10,000. To $50,000. Price range, but great examples can easily go higher. This model, with works made by Joshua Wilder (1786-1860), incorporates a case which ...
Gary interviewed by syndicated columnist in a series estate antiques.

March 20, 2013 Gary has been interviewed by syndicated columnist Marni Jameson for an ongoing series on evaluating and managing Estate antiques. Marni has connected with Gary via his appraisal work on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. Follow each installment here on our blog, by clicking here. Marni Jameson is a nationally syndicated home design columnist, and author of the best-selling The House Always Wins. Marni’s hugely popular syndicated column, “At Home With Marni Jameson,” appears in more than 30 newspapers throughout the United States and Canada reaching 7 million readers each week. Marni's column offers advice and guidance filtered through her personal experiences.
Steampunk Exhibit reviewed by Maine Antique Digest

February 26, 2011 Steampunk. Never heard of it? Trust me. You'll encounter the term more often from now on. Briefly and somewhat simplistically, steampunkers play with the illusion that time periods can coexist. They imagine what things might have looked like if our technology had been available to the Victorians, and then they create those things. Those who make steampunk objects primarily modify Victorian antiques, but they also use antiques from other eras, recycled items, salvage, and plain old junk. And while often their creations qualify as art, they commonly also have a specific, practical purpose. There are rideable steampunk bicycles, playable steampunk guitars, steampunk clocks that tell time, and steampunk houses that people live in. Both an aesthetic and an interior-design solution, steampunk is also, for some, a philosophy of life.