Welcome by Stan Szaro --- Essays by D. Albert Soeffing
Entering the appraisal studies program at New York University in 1997 was dramatically life changing. Becoming an appraiser was not part of the plan; the intention was to gather and solidify my knowledge in the field of antiques and the decorative arts. Our program consisted of nine courses, eight of which were mandatory --- Research Methodology, Appraisal Wirting, Insurance Appraisals, etc. The ninth was an elective. We were required to elect either Jewelry Appraisal with Joyce Jonas or American Silver Appraisal with D. Albert Soeffing; I chose American Silver. Via our shared classes, those who had chosen jewelry gushed how fortunate they had been to choose Professor Jonas. Those under the instructive hand of Professor Soeffing felt that we had been the fortunate ones. Finally, that year's group agreed to lament that they had not been able to take both. If my choice had been different, perhaps I would have entered the jewelry trade. But through the eyes and because of the zeal of Professor Soeffing, I embraced American silver and never looked back.
Thoughts of opening an antiques business had occurred. Such a step is not for the faint of heart and, of course, requires a business plan --- Normally! Without a business plan, but with enthusiasm in abundance, the matter was discussed with close friend Lauren Reddington. In 1980 Lauren and I had met in Law School and she too was ready for a new adventure. Through subsequent conversations we found we shared a common passion for Nineteenth Century American silver. As far fetched as it might seem, we compared it to jazz and Broadway musicals. It's great style and novelty spoke of our nation's history and development. No one created these uniquely American idioms like us Americans. Lauren added balance and a discriminating eye, so necessary for success. As a consummate communicator, with great ease and charm, she met and greeted clients at The Lauren Stanley Galleries. Lauren remained a critical part of the Galleries for more than ten years; without her support and guidance, we would not have flourished as we have.
Our firm was proactive in promoting what we knew to be historical and intellectually stimulating. Through the years we mounted well received exhibitions including: American Soup Ladles, 1800-1900; American Silver Children's Cups, American Japanesque Flatware; George Washington Medallion Silver. We displayed and showcased sets of extraordinary flatware including that by S. Douglas Brower (see: The Magazine ANTIQUES, September, 1999) and Whiting's complex and extraordinary "Berry" pattern.
Through the years, Lauren Stanley expanded its interests to include 20th Century American and Mexican Silver as well as Contemporary examples of the craft. Exhibitions and books entitled "Silver in America, 1840-1940" coming out of the Dallas Museum of Art and "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance" hosted by the San Antonio Museum of Art were influential in providing solid scholarly research for these areas of collecting interest. Sometimes Lauren Stanley leads, and sometimes Lauren Stanley catches a wind in its sails, and follows. That has been our recipe for our success.
As in cases such as these, it is impossible to remember to thank all of the individuals who provided support and encouragement through the years. But Lauren and I would like to especially acknowledge D. Albert Soeffing for sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of American silver. I would also like to thank Ishmael Yzaguirre who, initially coming to the gallery as an intern through New York University, and has become an integral part of the Lauren Stanley fabric, contributing biographical information for Mexican makers in this catalog. Many, many thanks to Richard and Edyta Szaro; Sheryl Benjamin; Taffy Benjamin; Peter Micucci; Karen B. Cohen; Halina Alaskiewicz; Bernard Posner and his late wife Myrna; Leonid Nadedrik; Mary Grass; Sandra Graham; Ginger Gilloohey; George Buckner; Brad Blumenthal; Murray Malinofsky; Jane Willis; Bobbi and Bert Padell, Terry Neumann; William P. Hood, Jr. and an unlimited number of others. Also, a very special recognition for the advice and counsel of Karen Rigdon of Heritage Auctions. Without Karen's insights, I would not have had the confidence to place these wonderful objects in auction. While this auction may disperse some of our collections, we continue to serve the public as The Lauren Stanley Galleries.
Sincerely, Stanley Szaro