If you follow Skinner’s twitter account, @skinnerinc, you know that we are immersed in the digital world related to antiques and fine art. We follow museums, collectors, dealers, appraisers, and auction houses to learn breaking news, get updates on events, and uncover fascinating stories.
Our favorite news stories, articles, and blog posts get passed on to our twitter followers. Here are a few top favorites from the past week.
1. Kerry Shrives on Antiques Roadshow
Skinner Appraiser Kerry Shrives takes a look at a “little robot” sculpture. This odd metal robot with a lightbulb head was made by artist Nam June Paik, the first video installation artist. To see how much it’s worth, you’ll have to watch the video. Antiques Roadshow will be in Minneapolis, MN on July 9th.
2. BBC: Your Paintings
If you haven’t seen this fascinating new project from the BBC, check it out. They are trying to collect photographs of every oil painting in the United Kingdom. This massive undertaking will make every painting in the country available to the public, even the ones in storage or hung on the wall in a city council office. Do you think more countries should follow Britain’s lead?
3. A Life in Libraries, Thanks to Gutenberg
This New York Times article interviews John Bidwell, the Astor Curator of Printed Books and Bindings at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. He discusses what makes books rare and why they become rare. A recent article about rare books on our blog delves into this very topic.
4. WBUR: Seeking History And Hidden Gems In Flea-Market America
Boston’s National Public Radio station, NPR, ran a special on Wednesday about the antiques business. Featured guests included Maureen Stanton, author of “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America.” and Scott Chalfant, a second-generation antiques and fine art dealer of antiques. The show is available online now, so listen in if you missed it on Wednesday, then let us know what you think.
5. MFA Summer Fridays
Summer is finally here, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is celebrating the season with great food, beverages, and entertainment every summer Friday starting July 1st. While you’re there, you can check out the Dale Chihuly exhibit of awe-inspiring glass sculptures, open through August 7th.