Robert Kinnaman, the American folk art and antiques dealer, died at his home on December 8, after a long illness. He was 57 years old. Along with several other dealers and a growing group of collectors in the 1960s and 70s, he was an influence in the modern widespread appreciation of the work of self-taught folk artists of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries in America. He wrote about collecting American folk art in the magazine Antiques, as well as other publications, and helped build several important collections.

He and his partner Brian Ramaekers founded Kinnaman & Ramaekers Antiques in Houston in 1969. They exhibited at the Theta Charity Antiques Show in Houston and The Tri Delta Antiques Show in Dallas for many years. They were asked to join the Winter Antiques Show in New York City in 1980, when Robert was 31years old, and exhibited there for 11 years. They were founding dealers in the International Antiques Dealers Show, also in New York City, and participated in the Philadelphia Antiques Show for more than ten years as well.

Robert Kinnaman was a past member of the Board of The National Antiques and Art Dealers Association of America, and longtime board member and past president of the East Hampton Historical Society. He was on the collections committee of the society and helped create many popular exhibits celebrating East Hampton’s history, art and culture.

He is survived by Brian Ramaekers, and five brothers and sisters. Friends who wish to remember him are asked to make a donation to the East Hampton Historical Society, 101 Main Street, East Hampton NY 11937.

He will be buried in the Wainscott Cemetery. A memorial service will be in the Wainscott chapel in early April.