From Our Mothers
From our mothers come all manner of things, from our values to our furniture. They hand down wisdom, recipes, stories, and heirlooms. Our trajectory in the world is inevitably changed by what they give us. And so, in advance of this Mother's Day, we asked our Department Directors how their mothers helped set them on their auction house paths.
Mark Terry, Estate & Collector Vehicles Director
"My mother always encouraged me to play, and not to take things too seriously. Her patience and understanding has definitely been influential in my life and career. And of course her first car was a brand new 1965 Oldsmobile 442 that she bought herself."
Nancy Blount, Fine Jewelry Director
"As a child on rainy Saturday mornings, my favorite pastime was to explore the contents of my mother's jewelry boxes. Naturally, this was always under her supervision and accompanied by stories about the different pieces. Through the jewelry she spoke of family ties and history, and then later, style guidance - such as 'never leave the house without earrings (and perfume)' and 'pearls go with everything.'"
Luke Newbold, Modernism & Glass Director
"Instead of Chippendale chests and silver, I was bequeathed Velveeta cheese spaghetti and mom jokes. I have my mom to blame for my constant search of the quick wise-crack. Once during a live auction, when Leland was describing a period Chippendale chair with finely carved details on the legs, I butted in to say 'He's a leg man ladies and gentleman.' The audience burst into laughter and the chair was sold. Mom's completely dedicated to her family and faith but spreads smiles along the way, and I hope I can do the same."
Lauren Sanford, Prints & Multiples Director
"My mom and I love visiting museums together and talking about the art we've seen, whether locally in North Carolina or on trips elsewhere. One of my favorite recent memories was going to Miami with my mom and dad and taking in all the terrific, vibrant works throughout the city."
Claire Fraser, Fine Art & Sterling Silver Director
"I've always loved setting pretty tables for dinner with family and friends using my mom's silver, china and crystal for as long as I can remember. One of my fondest travel memories was touring England with my mom and younger sister. We visited Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, ate Sally Lunn buns in Bath, and generally pretended we were characters in one of Jane Austen's novels. Now that my sister and I have our own homes, the three of us still bond over trips to local antique shops and auctions to hunt for the perfect piece!"
Robbie Smith, Sporting Art Director
"My mom was my biggest influence in all things great. She taught me that all art is a gift and that the soul can be restored by spending time in the great outdoors. She is with me in spirit in all of my adventures. This etching is a self portrait she made in 1967. It's titled The Pier."
And so we leave you with this, on behalf of everyone who has mothered us: Remember who you are, what you represent, and don't wipe your nose on your sleeve. Don't take any wooden nickels. Make good choices. And don't forget to wear clean underwear.
And so we leave you with this, on behalf of everyone who has mothered us: Remember who you are, what you represent, and don't wipe your nose on your sleeve. Don't take any wooden nickels. Break your bread before you butter it. Make good choices. And, of course, don't forget to always wear clean underwear.