DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. – Paul and Rita Flack have one of the foremost collections of Pennsylvania folk art and antiques. No doubt collectors will be excited when 250 lots from their collection come up for bids Oct. 13 at Pook & Pook. The Flacks spent decades becoming acquainted with local collections, often plucking prized folk art pieces from collections throughout the Keystone state and beyond. Their extraordinary collection of fraktur, with more than 70 pieces crossing the auction block, is already drawing great interest, according to the auction house president and founder Ron Pook. Renowned makers include Christian Strenge, Arnold Hoevelmann, David Kulp, Johann Adam Eyer and Andreas Kolp. Charming and whimsical depictions of fantastical creatures play across pages of fraktur, including mermaids, winged angels and dog-headed sea serpents, all still retaining their delightfully vibrant and varied color palettes. Lovers of local textiles will not be disappointed with the extensive selection of quilts, coverlets and hooked rugs offered in the sale. Highlights include an attractive applique and trapunto quilt ($5,000-$8,000), an intricate Pennsylvania patchwork Bowmansville star quilt ($500-$1,000), and a lively Pennsylvania Amish patchwork Jacob’s Coat bar quilt ($500-$800). Unique smalls including a selected collection of carved and painted wooden objects, which include a small Jonas or Jacob Weber box ($3,000-$4,000) are among the highlights, in addition to two Heinrich Bucher dresser boxes ($2,500-$3,500 and $3,000-$5,000), two Schimmel winged eagle carvings ($4,000-$6,000 and $2,000-$4,000), a Schtockschnitzler Simmons cane ($2,000-$3,000), and a John Reber horse carving of The Great Grey Ghost, a 14-time world record trotter. Painted furniture sold at the auction includes Berks County blanket chests, brilliantly painted corner cupboards and boldly decorated chairs. The sale will also include several pieces of locally-painted fine art, including four Hattie Brunner watercolor scenes. Contact: (610) 269-4040 www.pookandpook.com |