PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENGLE PUBLISHING CO.
ANTIQUES NEWS, P.O.BOX 500 MOUNT JOY, 17552 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2024 • VOL. 54, NO. 32
Portrait Commissioned By Andalusia’s Owners, Jane And Nicolas Biddle, Acquired For Its Collections Independence Seaport Museum Transferred Painting Following Long-Term Loan An oil-on-canvas by Philadelphia artist Bass Otis (1784-1861), “Portrait of Miss Adéle Sigoigne”
(1815), which has been on view at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum (Andalusia)
“Portrait of Miss Adèle Sigoine,” 1815, Bass Otis (1784-1861), is an oil-oncanvas in the collection of The Andalusia Foundation.
in Bensalem, Pa., since 2014 as a long-term loan from the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) in Philadelphia, now joins its permanent collection in an act of co llegi al partners hi p. A déle Sigoigne was a good friend of Jane Craig Biddle (1793-1856), who lived at Andalusia with her husband, Nicholas Biddle (17861844). The ISM has deaccessioned the painting and transferred its ownership to Andalusia. “We are overjoyed to have Adéle’s portrait now part of our permanent collection,” said Andalusia’s Executive Director John Vick. “Every piece of art in the historic house has a unique story to tell about the property and the people who lived here or visited. Adéle was practically family to the Biddles, making this a fitting home for her portrait. We are grateful to our partners at Independence Seaport Museum for recognizing what the painting means to Andalusia and for making this momentous transfer possible.” ”Our staff and board were unanimous in wanting to transfer this painting permanently to Andalusia,” said Peter S. Seibert, ISM’s president and chief executive officer. “Its history and associations with the Biddle family are significant, and thus the painting
is imminently relevant to their mission. For us, the transfer is a visible reminder of how two museums can come together to ensure that the history and heritage of our community is preserved in public trust for future generations.” Although it is unclear how or when Jane and Adéle met, their lasting friendship is certain. Close in age and of similar social standing, the two women came from very different backgrounds, however. Jane was a Philadelphian by birth, the only daughter of John and Margaret Craig, the couple who first established Andalusia as a country estate in 1795. Adéle, by contrast, was French-born and had lived in Haiti. After the Haitian Revolution began in 1791, she moved to Philadelphia with her mother, Aimée Sigoigne, who started a school for young women at 128 Pine Street. Adéle was one of a few guests who attended Jane’s wedding to Nicholas Biddle, held at Andalusia in 1811. The Biddles’ three daughters w o u ld la te r a t te n d M a d a m e Sigoigne’s school, including Adéle, who was named for her mother’s dear friend. (The name Adéle remained popular for several generations of Biddle descendants.) Continued on page 7
Cartoonist Offers Collector Holiday Mugs And Shirts
John Stinger, a professional cartoonist specializing in the collectibles/antiques business for many years, recently opened an online store offering holiday mugs and fun wearables inspired by his cartoons published in leading business, trade and consumer publications. Stinger, currently living in Tennessee, is a frequent contributor to Antiques & Auction News. He has also written, illustrated and published two humorous books. Stinger was creative director for two New York City ad agencies and retired as a VP in marketing services. His corporate cartoon panel “Big Business” was syndicated by the LA Times and featured on their financial pages. To learn more, visit www.Stinger-Design-Studio. printify.me.
Tollbooth Benefit Auction Set Boltz Auction Company To Hold Sale On Aug. 31
By Karl Pass A major fire occurred at Tollbooth Antiques in Columbia, Pa., the night of July 18, and 15 fire companies responded. Investigators have not ruled on the cause. Among the possibilities are fireworks. Material being salvaged is being stored and offered for sale in the Tollbooth Lumber Warehouse. The owners were fast to have this close-by complex ready for business. On Saturday, Aug. 31, Karl Boltz of Boltz Auction Co. will be holding a benefit sale to assist the roughly 50 vendors affected. “This is a call to action and will directly aid the venders affected,” said Boltz. The public is invited to donate material, including gift cards to area businesses, for the auction. “Part of my hope is to have people reevaluate insurance coverage,” furthered Boltz. “Vendors of Tollbooth who consign to one of my sales over the next three months will get no commission charges, seller’s or buyer’s,” also stated Boltz. Boltz Auction Company is located at 3601 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, Pa. To learn more, call 717-392-4257 or visit www.Boltzauctions.com. Continued on page 7
In This Issue SHOPS, SHOWS & MARKETS . . . . . . .
starting on page 2
SHOPS DIRECTORY . . . . . . .
on page 4
EVENT & AUCTION CALENDAR on page 5 AUCTIONEER DIRECTORY . . . . on page 5 AUCTION SALE BILLS . . . . . . on page 6
FEATURE ARTICLE: LancasterHistory Completes Large Digitization Project Of Historical Scrapbooks - Page 2
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . on page 7