Tour of The Signature Winter Auction
Sunlight dances through our gallery in anticipation of our Signature Winter Auction this Saturday, December 3rd.
Special Feature with Claire Fraser: The Sporting Art of P.L. Rosseau
Percival Leonard Rosseau...was a tremendously interesting artist... - Claire Fraser
A Conversation with Ken Gross at the 2022 Concours d'Elegance
They were designed to be beautiful, and that is all they had to be. And they are. -Ken Gross
The Perfect Ornament
The holidays are upon us. It is time to deck the halls and be merry. This year, instead of looking for that perfect ornament to trim the tree, why not discover that one-of-a-kind treasure to spark your joy for the season?
Cellar Tour with Mark Solomon
We believe this whiskey to be unique...like an antique enhanced by age, nature has mellowed this bourbon to a memorable perfection. It has been reserved and bottled for a connoisseur. - Very Old Fitzgerald Label
Unboxing: The Worlds of Paul Stankard
“By blending mysticism with magical realism, I work to express organic credibility through my botanical interpretations. Crafted in glass, I reference the continuum of nature and celebrate on an intimate level her primal beauty.” — Paul J. Stankard
Special Feature with Luke Newbold
Can you spot the ghostly figures in this painted scene?
The Finer Points: Statement Seating
When curating a space, consider the design principles of function, style, and personality. An anchor piece, whether a work of art or a unique piece of furniture, can set the tone for an entire room. We were inspired by the eye-catching pieces offered in the November Estate Auction.
Fall 2022 Sporting Art Auction Walkthrough
Couldn’t make it to Leland Little gallery to explore the decoys, fine art, and more of The Fall Sporting Art Auction? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered!
Beads Are Back
I saw Harry Styles wearing bright and bold beads. So I bought bright and bold beads.
The Sporting Art Lifestyle
Our Sporting Art Director, Robbie Smith, has hit the road once again, this time exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Expect a full day of fly fishing with a very special reel, art history, good company, and, of course, beautiful scenery.
A Moment With Pam Briggs
Our Pottery, Porcelain, and Fashion Director guides us through a fine collection of Southwestern pottery, focusing on some of her favorite pieces and highlighting three generations of Hopi artists.
An Evening of Modern Art & Design at Leland Little
It was a night full of modern art, timeless design, and good company.
Collector Cars at Auction
The Estate & Collector Vehicles Department specializes not only in the classics that have our hearts from years past, but also the cars that are destined to be the classics of the future.
Significant Properties: Redbud
Where historical meets modern - Beth Louden
An Insider's Look: Movement and Light in Metal
This large scale kinetic sculpture, comprised of steel plates and paint, moves and changes day by day. A gentle breeze or changing light presents new discoveries to the careful observer.
An Insider's Look: Steuben Glass Throughout the Decades
The United Nations declared 2022 to be the International Year of Glass. Aligned with their vision to celebrate the past, present, and future of this material, our Modern Design & Glass Director, Luke Newbold, walks us through a collection of Steuben glass from the early to mid 20th century.
Special Feature with Nancy Blount
The brooch speaks to the elegance and femininity of jewelry from that era.
If Walls Could Talk: The Portrait of Frau Z.
Born of oil on the canvas of Franz Wiegele, Frau Z. came to life. Perhaps in the studio or perhaps in the home of a Swiss art patron, she began her soft gaze over her left shoulder.
The Stars are Aligned for Sapphires
We are offering this rare blue beauty during its birthstone month of September. Find out why its sparkle is so special.
Special Feature with Lynne Millies
Elvis has not left the building...
Bottle Talk with a Novice
Watch as Fine Wine & Rare Spirits Director, Mark Solomon and Chloe Ghillani of the Content Team discuss the Portuguese sweet wine, Port. Enjoy first reactions, personal stories, and so much more in the first episode of this new series.
The Finer Points: North Carolina Art Across the Centuries
The blest land, the best land, the Old North State! - Leonora Monteiro Martin
An Insider's Look: Garage Kept Treasures
Our Estate & Collector Vehicles Director, Mark Terry, rolls up the garage door to reveal two pristine late-model convertibles that deserve the spotlight.
Special Feature with Mark Terry
"These cars are all meant to be driven." - Mark Terry, Director of Estate & Collector Vehicles
An Insider's Look: Inspired by the European Grand Tour
Back from your European getaway and longing for some of its beauty at home? We get it. Feeling inspired by our own travels and the tradition of the Grand Tour, we have curated this timeless selection of continental art, furniture, and decorative accessories from our End of Summer Estate Auction.
Special Feature with Luke Newbold
Spin, sparkle, repeat.
Special Feature with Claire Fraser
Fresh out of the crate, our Fine Art & Silver Director shares 3 paintings by American artist Gladys Nelson Smith.
The Finer Points: Florals in Design
There are always flowers for those who want to see them. - Henri Matisse
Upcoming Events at Leland Little
Join us for preview nights, wine tastings, lectures, community gatherings, and more. Explore the many ways to engage with us here at Leland Little.
Significant Properties: The B.B. Forrest House
What makes a Leland Little Property Significant? Our Properties Director, Beth Louden, reveals the three key elements— location, story, and style.
The Curious Lore of Rubies
For those who love rubies to the moon and back again…
Unboxing: Japanese Lacquered Picnic Set
Is this a miniature tea house, or perhaps a child's toy? It is neither.
The Collector’s Eye: Dr. Keith Stanley
He surrounded himself with art and objects that resonated with his ever working academic mind, living amongst the tangible evidence of material culture that fueled his passion.
The Stars of the Show
Time to celebrate all things that sparkle and shine. We hand selected our favorite fine jewelry pieces that Leland Little consigned over the years.
Special Feature with Rob Golan
Watch as Rob Golan, Rare Coins & Historical Director at Leland Little, points out the defining features of Civil War tintypes offered in the June Estate Auction, June 23rd at 9:00am EDT.
Paperweights: A Purposeful Art
The earliest known decorative paperweights appeared in Europe in the 1840s. Designed for the singular purpose of holding down stacks of paper on desks, paperweights were a response to the evolving needs of mid-nineteenth century life.
Exquisitely Beautiful Specimens of the Ambrotype
Our Rare Coins & Historical Director, Rob Golan, is proud to present a remarkable quarter-plate ambrotype of two young Confederate cavalrymen from Louisiana. This rare ambrotype, along with other ambrotypes and tintypes, was offered in our June Estate Auction.
Special Feature: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Restomod
Behind the Wheel
The Director of Estate & Collector Vehicles, Mark Terry, tells the story of two men with a passion for racing and collecting performance cars.
The Longleat Commodes: More Than Meets the Eye
There is more to this pair of commodes than meets the eye. If they could talk, they would tell tales of their storied provenance. A former home in an Elizabethan estate? Check. Noble ranking owners? Check.
The Bride Wore a Diamond Crescent Brooch
In our Signature Summer Auction, Leland Little offered a treasured Antique Gold and Diamond Crescent Brooch with a romantic provenance. We spoke with Nancy Blount, Director of Jewelry at Leland Little, about the piece.
Special Feature: White Gold and Diamond Ring
This sparkling 2.0 carat rectangular modified brilliant cut diamond ring will be offered in our Signature Summer Auction, this Saturday, June 11th starting at 9:00AM. Add a little sparkle and shine to your summer.
The Collector’s Eye: A Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina
Leland Little is proud to offer a Private Collection from Greensboro, North Carolina in our Signature Summer Auction on June 11. This collection features exemplary American and English furniture, fine art and more with storied provenances.
Through the Architect's Lens: Vision & Inspiration
Explore the design details, materials, and feel of our gallery and renovated campus. Listen as our architect, Richard Gurlitz of Gurlitz Architectural Group, describes the design challenge and vision for this project.
The Finer Points: A Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina
Explore the finer details of classical art, botanical engravings, Chinese porcelain, and antique furniture. These featured pieces, along with the entirety of the collection will be offered in our Signature Summer Auction, June 11th at 9am EDT.
Unboxing: Rare Spirits
Moonlighting as an academic journal, this clever box is hiding a prohibition era whiskey. Watch this unboxing video and learn more. Bid on this rare whiskey, without a prescription, on Friday, June 10th at noon.
Special Feature: Howard Johnson on the Sporting Art Department
The President of the Carolina Decoy Association speaks about the Leland Little Sporting Art Department and the role it has played in fueling conversation within the Sporting Arts community.
Bierstadt, Homer, and Hassam: Founding Fathers of American Art
Winslow Homer, Albert Bierstadt, and Childe Hassam were titans of American painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Three works in our upcoming Summer Signature Auction firmly made their impressions on the landscape of American art history, the artists themselves becoming household names.
How Craft, Community, and Lifestyle Elevate the Decoy
The Leland Little Sporting Art Department spent a fantastic day at the coast, gathering first impressions of Lee Dudley's rare Canvasback decoy while celebrating the Southeast's coastal sporting lifestyle.
The Collector's Eye: Ivan Remnitz
The Collection of Ivan Remnitz spans the globe in both its acquisition story and scope, and has a very clear focus through the lens of the collector’s eye. From artful textiles meant to be hung and admired, to Cycladic inspired sculptures meant to be viewed in the round; the various mediums speak to a sum greater than its parts. This week, we spoke with Remnitz about his collecting journey.
7 Exhibited Artists to Buy in Spring Modern Art & Design
From solo exhibitions at MoMA to current showings at Nasher Museum’s Reckoning and Resilience; artists in our May 19th Spring Modern Art & Design auction have impressive CV’s.
How Elsa Peretti Reintroduced Tiffany & Co. to Silver
A brief history of the iconic collaboration between legendary designer Elsa Peretti and Tiffany & Co., inspired by pieces offered in our upcoming Estate Jewelry, Sterling Silver, & Rare Coins auction on May 12.
An Insider's Look: The Timeless Wood - Mahogany
Interior designers are forecasting the resurgence of mahogany and other dark woods. Perhaps the time spent in our homes during the last two years has us leaning into a cozier design aesthetic. Learn more about the origins of mahogany furniture as well as styling ideas featuring pieces from our upcoming May Estate Auction.
The Launch into Retail Fine Wine
If you can't wait for our next fine wine auction, you're in luck. You don't have to.
The Move Into Our New Gallery Space
After much anticipation and patience, moving day was upon us. As a team, we conceptualized, we planned, we designed, and we built. On April 7th and 8th, a new chapter of this journey was here — the move.
A Moment With: Nancy Blount
Share a moment with Jewelry & Textiles Director, Nancy Blount. Explore the symbolism, stylistic differences, and purpose woven into the samplers of the 18th and 19th centuries.
An Insider's Look: Gustav Stickley
Simplicity, Honesty in Construction, and Truth to Materials
Announcing Leland Little Properties
What goes better with a brand-new auction facility than a brand-new boutique real estate department? That’s exactly what we thought.
Season of Color
After the dormant months of winter, spring is the moment when nature reclaims its glory. As art imitates life, the colors of renewal, growth and awakening are exemplified in the jewelry of the Signature Spring Auction.
Historical Archive Documenting the Final Weeks of Ulysses S. Grant
I have fought a Good Fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV
The Stuff of Legend
There can be no question that drinking a great old wine is one of life’s great pleasures. And, there is nothing in the world like a great old Red Burgundy! – The Underground Wineletter
All the Accumulated Wealth of Knowledge
"By victory after victory on the racetracks of the world, Jaguar has gained for itself a position in the very forefront of modern sports cars." - Jaguar Cars Ltd, Coventry England
Honoring the Legacy of Percy Carawan
Follow along with Sporting Art Director, Robbie Smith, as he travels east to Lake Mattamuskeet, NC. Listen to the recollections of Mark Carawan and Kroghie Andresen as they share their personal experiences with master decoy carver, Percy Carawan.
Humility, Concentration, Perseverance…and Talent
When I start a project, I have a rough idea in mind, but it really is a joint venture between the bamboo and myself. It could be a friendly partnership, or it could be a battle. Whichever the case may be, dialogue with the material and constant adjustments by the artist are essential to every part of the process. – Morigami Jin, 2018
Reading Between the Lines
Etchings could easily be viewed as static. Louis Orr’s etchings are anything but. Behind each etching is a story — full of travel, people, and much activity.
Sporting Art Fair 2022
Leland Little is delighted to host our second annual Sporting Art Fair (SAF) on Saturday, February 26th, 2022. Although hosted on the grounds and within the galleries of Leland Little, this is a community event brought forth by a group of partners who are personally and professionally invested in the world of sporting art. The Sporting Art Fair is for everyone.
The Collection of Joel Siegel
The first thing I saw after I came to was this huge Lichtenstein pop-art poster. If it had been a Raphael Madonna I might have thought I'd died and gone to heaven. But Lichtenstein? I died and went to the Museum of Modern Art? -Joel Siegel, upon awakening in the recovery room at New York Hospital, Lessons for Dylan
A Symphony of Flavors
"Apricot, quince, pineapple, almond, verbena, fig, rose, lychee, grapefruit, bitter orange, vanilla, saffron, roasted coffee beans... The smells of an entire market are concentrated in a glass of Yquem." – Chateau d’Yquem
Hygge for the Holidays
Relax in a comfy chair, sip your chamomile tea, and dive into our step-by-step guide on how to create hygge in your home this holiday season.
A Catalyst of Ideas
"Diego was a catalyst in the literal sense of the word: something that precipitates or facilitates a change" (Raymond Foye, The Brooklyn Rail)
Carving Heritage: A Decoy Story
A craft that defines a county's history.
A Whisky Market Update
Whisky (yes, and whiskey) is having a moment.
Statement Seating: The Modern Sofa
In modern life, the sofa is the center of family life, the home theater, the conversation pit, the remote office, the place we relocate to when the bed isn’t working out.
In the Sky with Diamonds
In 2004, astronomers at Harvard discovered that the white dwarf star previously known only as V886 Centauri or BPM 37093 was actually a diamond. A really, really big diamond. The biggest in the universe, perhaps.
North Carolina in the News
The national press has leaked the secret: the North Carolina Triangle is an amazing place to live.
Taking Shape
Come along on a video tour of the progress on the new Leland Little Gallery.
Scotch & Climate Change
One look at any of the scotch distilleries perched picturesquely on the shores of Islay serves as a reminder of their exposure to the elements. The relentless environment in which scotch is made has long been part of its charm, but with climate change intensifying, environmental concerns are quickly becoming production hurdles.
A Light Touch With Big Rings
The cocktail ring, in all its opulent glory, has been one of the signature designs of the Buccellati jewelry house ever since Mario Buccellati was making them to adorn the hands of Milan's most fashionable women after the First World War.
Dressing Women in Art
So much art of all kinds has been inspired by the beauty of the female form. With the abundance of fine jewelry and fine art in The Signature Fall Auction at our disposal, we give the artists' muses the decoration they deserve.
The Traditional Iconoclast: Artist Toko Shinoda
With her groundbreakingly simple sumi-e works and lithographs, Toko Shinoda, who passed away this March just three weeks shy of her 108th birthday, used classic technique to create revolutionary Japanese art.
Five Things: What The Emancipation Proclamation, Organized Philanthropy, The Chicago Fire, & Suffrage Have In Common
The Stuff of Legend: LaLaounis Jewelry
Goldsmith Ilias LaLaounis's legacy is built on one defining principle: that every piece of jewelry tells a story.
On The Hunt
The world turns, the millennia pass, and the hunter becomes the hunted. But possibly not until the hunter is long-extinct and thoroughly fossilized. Robert E. Wilke, who spends his leisure time at the bottom of the ocean, hunting for Megalodon teeth, has reason to be glad for that reliable passage of time.
A Modern Art Trivia Treasure Hunt
We love a good piece of art on the wall as much as anyone. But while we can appreciate art in an aesthetic vacuum, the stories behind the works are what really bring them to life. So to give ample dimension to the art in our Modern Art & Design auction, we made you a trivia treasure hunt around some of the standout works that were offered.
How to Use Steel and Be Fancy (just a little bit)
Marcel Breuer really, really loved his bicycle. So much so, in fact, that he used it as the inspiration for his signature furniture. Nearly a hundred years later, we have to say it seems he was on to something.
Southern Flowers in Southern Pots
At Leland Little "Arts of the South" generally refers to Southern Pottery and Folk Art. But when we add Durham, North Carolina, photographer and florist Allison Donnelly to the mix, the definition gets a little more botanical.
Living on the Live Edge
Whether in life or in craft, for George Nakashima the imperfections made all the difference.
The Collection of Art Historian and Designer Sterling Boyd
A great eye is rarely confined to a single category. For Sterling Boyd, the synthesis of his extensive knowledge and impeccable style was a personal collection of art and antiques that brought together beauty and history.
Five Things: The Decorous Revolution of Women in American Art Pottery
Not all revolutions come with rally cries and drum beats. Some, like the rise of American women ceramicists at the turn of the century, are more quietly radical, but they bend the arc of equality nonetheless.
Genus: Car collector
Car collectors are in a category unto themselves. Wine, art, jewelry: these are things you collect and then just let be, enjoying them without effort whenever the mood strikes. But cars. People who collect cars tinker and research and refurbish and document. They live and breathe and, most importantly, drive their collections.
Scenes of America
For the 4th of July, we gather examples of the many varied ways that American artists have captured our country in their art.
Like Potter, Like Son
The history of North Carolina ceramics is one of generations of fathers passing down a utilitarian craft to their sons, who gradually turned it into an artform and a living. This Father's Day weekend, we look at how a few of the potters represented in The June Estate Auction maintained and grew their paternal legacy.
Project Update: The New Leland Little Gallery
Work progresses steadily on the construction of our new facility. With each new morning, when we arrive to begin our day, we are greeted by yet another finishing touch. We are excited.
It's All In The Details
Impressive in their size, age, and form, these pieces of furniture are even more striking when considered up close.
From Florence to Philadelphia to Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Emanuele Caroni's Telegram of Love was one of three sculptures by the Italian artist shown at the Philadelphia World's Fair, The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876.