High up in the clouds there is a castle overlooking beautiful Lake Winnipesauke in central New Hampshire. The estate was built in 1913‱914 by a successful businessman to spend summers and eventually retire to; it has become a museum with large expanses of landscaped grounds and gently rolling hilltops ideal for outdoor activities.
Three years ago, Nan Gurley was hired by Castle in the Clouds, as it is known, to produce its antiques show, which she has faithfully done in late June each year since. This year, June 28, the show was, however, again plagued with wet weather, dampening the spirits of would-be visitors and customers. In spite of that, there were many who came primarily on Gurley’s reputation to have a good presentation for the visitors.
Gurley has a core group of dealers who could almost be referred to as “the usual group.” They know one another and work hard to find fresh, never-before-seen antiques for each of the shows they do for her. This results in good sales of fine early antiques, dominated by goods from colonial America.
After the show, several dealers commented on their results. Exhibitor Roger Pheulpin, a retired Gloucester fisherman turned antiques dealer, said his sales were satisfactory, but be believed the show might be stronger if it were conducted further into the summer. In a separate conversation, Gurley considered the same solution. “June weather in the mountains surrounding the lake has been showers or drizzle each of the years we’ve been here, so a little later might be all we need to build this show up to its true potential,” she said.
In spite of the weather, there were great collections and many good sales. Candlewick Antiques, Milton, N.H., was showing a large selection of very early furniture and some interesting accessories. There were two William and Mary period American tap tables in its exhibit. Among the sales was a shelf priced at $1,250 with a collection of 122 volumes of English poetry printed in 1807.
Exeter, N.H., dealer Joseph Prakop showed a collection of small antiques, filling three long tables and with a few pieces on the ground as well. His inventory always is thought-provoking and special, such as his baskets; some printed and painted wall hangings; and useful things from long ago.
Another nearby dealer, Kenneth Reid from Andover, said he was “not disappointed in the sales. An early swing leg table was out early, with more sales during the short affair.” His comment was based upon “the current economics and the weather we’ve been having holding down sales, but I did okay.”
The Ewings, Cecelia and Joe, have their home and shop just down the road, practically walking distance, according to Joe. This is one of the few shows they do after years of many shows and show management. It gives them more exposure for their collection of folk art, early household accessories and painted furniture.
Country antiques abound at Gurley’s shows. Tom Joseph, Limington, Maine, offered weathervanes, furniture and a large scenic hooked rug. Thetford Center, Vt., dealer Susan Gault showed several children’s pieces, including a fuzzy toy cat, which when its head was pushed down, stuck out its tongue.
Richard Fuller decorated his booth with country smalls †from children’s pieces to painted furniture †all from his collection in South Royalton, Vt. A dining room setting of fine early American furniture was the exhibit for Mark and Marjorie Allen of Sandwich, N.H.
Interesting early American-made smalls were the stock for many of the sellers. Michael and Lucinda Seward, Pittsford, Vt., had their tables full and were also shopping for more. Louise Hardie, Falmouth, Maine, found a walrus tusk ivory scrimshaw made into a cribbage board. The decorating was all around the scoreboard, even on the cut end.
Bjorn Borssen showed an Italian chest on stand, a Rococo Revival piece from more than 100 years ago from his collection in Rochester, N.H. Soheil Oriental Rugs brought Persian rugs from its New York City gallery. Dunstable, Mass., is home for Bud Tully, who specializes in dishes from Europe and Asia with a second focus on early silver.
And for a show in the Northeast Kingdom, it would not be complete without a moose head and an early canoe from Magoun Bros of South Paris, Maine. One of the canoes left the show on top of a very small car.
Gurley’s shows are a fixture in Northern New England, with New Hampshire a very popular venue for her. The next production will be at Deerfield, N.H.. Fairgrounds, Tuesday. August 4. Not long after, she will have her Sturbridge, Mass., show, September 10 at the Host Hotel and Conference Center. For information, www.nangurley.com or 207-625-3577.
