Albert Sack (left) and Ron Bourgeault.
Doug Taylor and man’s best friend.
Leigh Keno.
By R. Scudder Smith
Albert Sack
NEW YORK CITY – Albert Sack said recently “at my age there is really no reason to retire” and with that announced he will begin working with Ron Bourgeault and Northeast Auctions in Portsmouth, N.H. “It is going to be great having Albert with us,” Ron said, adding, “we have lots of things ready for catalogue descriptions, including a grouping of clocks.
Albert has already sent things ahead and after taking care of a few details related to the closing of the Israel Sack firm on Fifth Avenue, he will be heading for the country. When he was told by a friend that Ron will keep him busy and there will be no dull days, Albert was quick to reply “I don’t want any dull days.” Ron said he would see to that.
The best of luck to you, Albert.
Doug Taylor
If you knew Doug Taylor and heard that he was opening a gallery, you would probably go as you would not know what to expect. However, what you would expect is an “ever full of energy” Doug Taylor dressed in shorts with the slight possibility that his ensemble might include and coat and tie. But regardless of his attire, he will lead you through this new two-floor venture pointing out his treasures and finds including such rdf_Descriptions as a stuffed dog lying peacefully on a table, a large mounted fish, a lobster constructed of wire, a bell jar about two feet tall filled with sample rubber car tires, a merry-go-round, and a bust of Abraham Lincoln. Now that’s enough to whet any appetite.
The collecting tastes of Doug Taylor and his partner in Praiseworthy Antiques, John Lynch, are well-known to those who travel the show circuit. However, Doug now has the chance to show these things in a new light, not crammed wherever possible in a booth at a show, but given room and displayed as they might be in someone’s home. Here there is room to stand back and examine a map of the world or a six-foot long wood model of a 1931 Ford.
“I have had this space for a long time and decided it was about time to put it to some use. The gallery has been fun, and in the spring when the weather turns we are going to make a garden in the back of the building for both plants and sculpture,” he said.
The gallery at 106 Lexington Avenue, between 27th and 28th Streets, was kept open during the run of Antiques at The Armory located just down the street. “I am now going to maintain regular hours and will be in the gallery from noon to 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Other times you might catch me here, but we will always be open by appointment. Call anytime, even at midnight,” Doug said. The number is 917-880-6169.
Leigh Keno
When space gets too tight, it is time to move on. And that is just what has happened in the busy world of Leigh Keno, owner of Leigh Keno American Antiques. After eight years in the Carlyle Galleries he has moved to 127 East 69th Street where he has purchased a six-story townhouse and renovations are underway.
To mark this new venture Leigh hosted an open house on Thursday, January 17, and after 400 invitations were sent out, that number plus showed up for the event. With a little bit of pushing and shoving, visitors were able to get a glance of the offices on the first floor, and the gallery on the second floor. A library has also been installed on the second floor, but was not open for inspection as it was serving as the kitchen that evening.
“We have ample storage in the basement,” Leigh said, and “I will be living on the third floor when all is completed.” The fourth and fifth floors are rented, and the top floor will in time become an apartment for Leigh’s son Mitch when he is in the city working in the gallery.
“We still have lots to do on all floors,” Mitch said, adding, “you have already noticed the plywood stairs leading to the second floor.” Proper covering has been ordered but was not installed in time for the party. But that did not seem to matter to anyone. All had a good time, wished the host well, and then moved on to one of two other functions planned that evening.
Leigh Keno American Antiques was established in 1986. The firm specializes in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century American furniture, decorative arts and paintings. It is represented at two antiques shows per year, the Winter Antiques Show taking place now at the Hilton Hotel in New York City, and the Philadelphia Antiques Show in April.
Gallery hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, or by appointment from 212/734-2381.
