Simon Wills, formerly of Christie’s in New York, has joined Garth’s Auctioneers and Appraisers (Columbus) and Selkirk Auctioneers and Appraisers (St. Louis). Simon's career spans a decade serving various roles at Christie's, most recently as Vice President and Senior Account Manager in the Estates, Appraisals and Valuations department. Now as Account and Business Development Manager, as well as Fine Art Specialist and Consignment Representative, at Garth’s + Selkirk, Simon wi

Across a career spanning nearly 70 years, it is fair to say that renowned interior designer and antiques dealer Jay Suiter has seen it all. When he transferred from the Art Institute of Chicago to UCLA to study interior design in the late 1940s, America was adjusting to a new normal after the end of World War II. A booming economy and a growing dominance in technology, business and the space race allowed Americans to return their focus to a more refined lifestyle. Not since t

A regular misconception about the art and antiques market is that prices are always going up. In fact, economic realities like “supply and demand” affect prices of paintings, collectibles and antique furniture as much as anything else. Additionally, small differences between unique items can offer big savings to savvy buyers. Here are a few examples in the collecting world that offer great buying opportunities right now. Slant-front desks As bulky personal computers with thei

Savvy art and antiques collectors look forward to more than just sunshine and warmer temperatures in June. Summer represents the peak of the picking season for those willing to invest the time and energy into a hopping calendar of estate sales, auctions and flea markets. With all of the hype and television shows surrounding the art of the true find, one might believe that nothing of value slips through the cracks anymore. Rest assured, fellow treasure-hunter, there is gold at

I work with collectors from all over the country. Many of the folks I meet tell me they just don't know how to compare auction and appraisal services. Do you choose the firm who offers the highest values when evaluating your items? Clearly, high values could simply be a tool for luring business. Do you go with the cheapest? Lower fees definitely do not mean highest return. What is the saying? You get what you pay for? I always recommend that my potential sellers visit us for