AFA Autumn 2019 Preview

Peter Lynch Curator of American Decorative Art, writes, “A love of people, nature, and the places they call home . . . were the primary catalysts for their collecting.” He adds, “Freely integrating subjects, time frames, and media, the Lynches created lively, often unexpected, opportunities to explore the country’s creativity, regional styles, and evolving traditions.” ey found their comfort zone in the beauty that is innate within handmade material infused with tradition, while looking forward and being bold. You do not need the resources of the Lynches to create a home that makes you smile as you walk through the door. Great design and “personality” can be found in utilitarian objects and fun trinkets from ea markets. While a home can be lled with art and antiques, it only takes one or two items to make a di erence in an interior. And it’s a wonderful feeling to return home and live with objects you’ve collected and that tell a story of your life. So, be yourself, be comfortable, have fun—collect! Johanna johanna@antiquesandfineart.com Autumn 18 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com R ecently, I had the honor of speaking at the New Orleans Antiques Forum, presented by e Historic New Orleans Collection on August 2–4. My topic? “Creating Your Interior World: Be Yourself, Be Comfortable, Have Fun—Collect!” I spoke about the joys of discovering and living with art and antiques, and how they can bring an interior to life. And then there are the associations such material can instigate—remembering where you found a particular piece can summon up memories of friends or family members—in effect, your history becomes part of the history of each object in your home. Regardless of what period or style you collect, there is a consistency in design. When you recognize the similarity and harmony between the undulating carved top of an eighteenth-century Philadelphia Chippendale tea table and the meandering edge of a twentieth-century Nakashima center table, you can create a cohesive interior. As a collector, you are free to experiment with material from di erent time periods, regions, and countries to create interiors unique to you. In my presentation, I could have easily focused on the collecting experiences of Peter Lynch, the investment nancier, and his late wife, Carolyn. e collections in their homes range from painted and high- style American furniture, to folk and ne art, mid-century design, and works purchased from living artists. A major exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum presents elements from their collection and is featured in this issue (pages 70–79). Author Dean Lahikainen, e Carolyn and Photography by Ellen McDermott LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Established 1976 Clive Devenish Antiques Incline Village, Nevada (510) 414-4545 clivedevenishantiques@comcast.net www.clivedevenishantiques.com Member: Antiques Dealers' Association of America 28" high x 28" wide J.W. Fiske Late 19th Century