Here Be Old Things

New York City Auctions: February 2–8, 2009

Sotheby's | 1334 York Avenue

• Important Jewels

Swann Galleries | 104 East 25th Street

• Vintage Posters

New York City Auctions: Jan 26–Feb 1, 2009

Lot 4 at Bloomsbury: John James Audubon, Northern Hare… Winter. 

Update on dispute over Diane Arbus photos

Many people come to this blog looking for information on Bayo Ogunsanya's case against Robert Langmuir over the Diane Arbus "Hubert's Freaks" photos. As you might remember, Ogunsanya sold the photos to Langmuir, and then claims he was hoodwinked, because Langmuir realized their true value but didn't clue him in. The photos, worth millions, were scheduled for sale at Philip's, but at the last minute, Brooklyn Federal Court blocked the auction.

In October, a motion to dismiss the case was denied. Whille most people who commented felt, basically, "Seller Beware"–that Ogunsanya had no case–the law appears to disagree. If Ogunsanya wins, will it change the way that dealers do business? Read this update from The Art Law Blog.

New York City area tag and estate sales: January 16–18, 2009

Here's a partial list of this weekend's surrounding sales, courtesy of EstateSales.net.

Reception for Razzia and the Art of Advertising at International Poster Center

The International Poster Center is holding a reception and party for its new exhibit, Razzia and the Art of Advertising, Thursday night (tomorrow) from 5 to 8. The artist will be there to sign posters. They say he's "synonymous with the retro-deco style of the 1980s." Yeah, I remember advertising in the 80s. First, no Photoshop, so art directors (like me) didn't have to do everything ourselves and could actually commission real artists like Razzia. Second, lots of drinking. Now everyone works too hard. Do I sound bitter? Maybe I'll go check this reception out, see if they have some free wine, and walk down memory lane.

Razzia and the Art of Advertising:

• January 15 to February 1
• Mon-Fri, 9-5; Sat/Sun, 11-6
• Opening Reception January 15, 5-8 pm
• 601 W. 26th St. (11th–12th), 13th Floor
• 212-787-4000

Christie's auction house starts staff layoffs

photo from Flickr/Daquella manera

Christie's has began "massive layoffs," according to Art Fag City, who sounds like they have the inside scoop. The blog says that on Monday, an email at 10 a.m. warning of staff cuts was followed by several staffers vanishing from the building by noon. Besides personnel, departments are being cut. A Christie's press release states:

Effective January 12, 2009, we have begun a company-wide reorganization review, which includes the possibility of significant staff reductions, not renewing many consultants’ contracts and the continuation of other cost reduction initiatives, that will ensure we remain competitive and profitable in 2009. Any staff reductions that might be necessary will be implemented globally in accordance with local regulations and in as considered and timely a manner as is possible.

My feelings remain very mixed on this. The prices the auction houses reeled in last year were a little sickening. Writing my High/Low reports got depressing–people just had too much money to throw at stuff like James Brown's dental floss (kidding, but it's close to the mark). It's nice to see the excess dampened–but why couldn't anyone look ahead and save some cash for a "rainy day employee salary fund." Any opinions?

Christie's Begins Massive Layoffs [Art Fag City]
Christie’s to Cut Jobs as Crisis Cuts Auction Sales (Update4) [Bloomburg.com]
Christie's Cuts Costs as Art Market Slows [New York Times]

New York City Auctions: January 19–25, 2009

 Lot No 1030Y at Bonhams: a pair of portrait miniatures on ivory

New York City area tag and estate sales: January 9–11, 2009

In the coming months, I'm going to add to the sidebar guide a listing of area tag and estate sale providers. Here's a partial list of this weekend's surrounding sales, courtesy of EstateSales.net. Do you go to estate sales in the area, and if so, how do you find them?

Brooklyn Flea roosts for the winter in Dumbo

More good news on the New York City flea market scene: the Brooklyn Flea, which lives outdoors at the Bishop Loughlin school yard during the summer (read: windswept by freezing winds during the winter) is sheltering indoors for the next twelve weeks.

The Antiques Garage flea market is holding fast in Chelsea

Remember August? Just a few months ago, expensive new apartment buildings had about finished displacing the antiques and flea market scene in Chelsea. The Antiques Garage, the most authentic flea market left in New York City, was losing its home to a developer who bought the land for $42.7 million. Closing day was slated for November 30.

New York City Auctions: January 12–18, 2009

Lot 60 at Christie's Open House sale, Morris Louis, "Bird"