NEW SALEM — After collaborating on the sale of a 17th-century valuables cabinet earlier this year, the Swift River Valley Historical Society is holding a two-day event with Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house in New York City.
This program follows Sotheby’s sale of the rare cabinet from the society’s collection, which fetched $1.6 million, in January.
The event begins on Friday, May 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Swift River Valley Historical Society’s Prescott Church building at 40 Elm St. Erik Gronning, a furniture scholar and senior advisor in Sotheby’s Americana Department, will present “The Quest for Beauty,” a lecture sharing insights from his career discovering some of this country’s most important colonial masterpieces. A highlight of the evening will be the story behind the 17th-century valuables cabinet once owned by the Horne family.
Admission is free. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
The program continues on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with “Discovery Day,” an appraisal event featuring a Sotheby’s specialist. People are invited to bring items such as furniture, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and collectibles for expert consultation. Photos of objects are also welcome.
Appraisal time slots are $15 per person (cash or check only, at the door) and include evaluation of up to five items. All proceeds support the Swift River Valley Historical Society’s curatorial and educational mission.
To reserve a space for the lecture and/or register for the appraisal event, contact Dot Frye at dotfryesrvhs@gmail.com or call 978-544-6882.
