Press: Press Releases

2020 

Lifetime of Globetrotting Leads to Impressive Curation of Photos, Artifacts, Textiles & More

BRG presents the Estate and Lifetime Collection of Barbara J. Paul.

Bridgeport, Conn., September 30, 2020 – Rhythmic drums beat for dancers arrayed in gorgeous bead encrusted and artfully embroidered tribal raiment. Gentle waves lap against the sides of modest fishing boats tethered along the coast while weathered hands mend nets. Distant echoing roars of lions waking from slumber interweave with the trumpeting of elephants during the waning hours of the day while local tribes people prepare their harvest festival. These are but a smattering of the seductive sights and sounds which lured globetrotter and regionally renowned photographer, Barbara Paul to explore remote and exotic locales throughout the world alongside her devoted husband, Roland, and then to share their experiences through a variety of exhibitions in the region

It is in this same vein of sharing her curated collection of cultural treasures from all over the globe, that Black Rock Galleries (BRG) is pleased to offer the Estate and Lifetime Collection of Barbara J. Paul to the public-at-large in an eclectic online auction found at www.blackrockgalleries.com which runs through Wednesday, October 14, 2020. This 256 lot collection features a unique and wide-ranging array of textiles, tribal and regional clothing, headdresses, jewelry, porcelains, fine art, and more.

A handful of highlights featured in the Estate and Lifetime Collection of Barbara J. Paul include:

Travels, Experiences, & Exhibitions

Long before the advent of smartphones and computers, these two amazing people sought to sojourn in remote villages and regions on a quest to experience the most diverse and untouched cultures in outlying venues in Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Oman, Benin, Togo, Petra, Laos, Sri Lanka, India, Eastern Tibet, Mongolia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Mali. Over the course of almost 40 years (beginning the 1980s and continuing through the 2010s) the couple had the most amazing opportunity to travel and experience a vast array of cultures in over 50 different countries. It was during these travels that Barbara began to curate her extensive personal collection of textiles, works of art, and artifacts of the many peoples and remote recesses of the world this dynamic couple visited, as well as develop her skill as a talented photographer.

It was, perhaps, the most secluded regions of the world which captured the Pauls' imagination and hearts, as well as forever connected them to the people they met. The couple traveled to these isolated and "off the beaten track" countries, provinces, and villages in the hopes of witnessing and experiencing first-hand, the various indigenous peoples and their tribal rituals and customs before those groups were encroached upon by modern-era hegemony.

Barbara's love of photography and flair for capturing the colorful textiles, costumes, fashion, jewelry, and centuries-old traditions and routines of the peoples she met were widely featured in a variety of gallery exhibitions in Connecticut and New York including: The Tibet House US, Gallery Vietnam, Black Rock Art Center, the Thomas J. Walsh Gallery at the Quick Center at Fairfield University, Earthplace of Westport, and the Fairfield University Downtown Bookstore, as well as public libraries in Ridgefield, Rye, Norwalk, Westport, New Haven, and Darien. Her passion for sharing the regions, festivals, dress, customs, and traditions of her subjects culminated in gallery exhibitions such as:

“Voodoo, Villages, Festivals: Ghana, Benin & Togo”

"Traditions of India" 

"The Samburu of Kenya"

'The Amazing Himba People of Namibia'

"Tribal Eritrea"

"Theyyam Ritual Dance -- India"

"In the Spirit of Animals" (a joint effort with two others)

"Rhythms of Rural Asia"

"The Romance of Sri Lanka"

"Grasslands of Eastern Tibet: Nomads, Festivals & Monasteries"

In addition to their travels, the Pauls frequently invited UN Ambassadors of the countries they visited to attend the gallery openings and became good friends with those dignitaries and their families from Sri Lanka and Namibia, among others. Barbara's legacy was further honored, earlier this year, when the American Museum of Natural History accepted pieces from her personal collection for future exhibition, along with select photos documenting Barbara's travels and experiences. 

Barbara was born in New York and was a graduate of Wellesley College. She received a Masters, Business Administration from NYU. After working for many years as a teacher in the private school system, she eventually segued into commercial banking. By the 1980s, Barbara began pursuing her interest in photography and extensive travel with her husband, Roland. 

A resident of Westport, CT, she became an avid supporter of local arts and was a member of the Fairfield Arts Council, the Westport Arts Center, and the Stamford Arts Council. She remained active in the arts until her recent passing.

 

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, created a one-stop estate liquidation enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport, Connecticut quickly grew into a unique business offering a luxury estate consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services, and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a 50,000 square feet industrial loft style showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, BRG has grown exponentially each year and boasts the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs almost 30 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and has become the East Coast’s preeminent estate liquidation and auction house. BRG’s expansion into the Dallas region marks the opening of a new gateway into the southern and southwestern estate liquidation market.

BRG is headquartered in Bridgeport, CT and has five auction preview showrooms/warehouses: BRG-Bridgeport; BRG-Greenwich; BRG-Boston; BRG-Raleigh; and BRG-Dallas. Its family of brand offerings include Black Rock Galleries, Black Rock Interiors, Clearing House Estate Sales, and AuctionNinja (an online auction SaaS platform for estate liquidators and auctioneers). For additional information visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

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Note: additional information about Barbara J. Paul, including several photos from her various trips, my be found here.

Expansion Into the Dallas Region Results in New Hires

Business growth leads to creation and fulfillment of new positions at BRG’s new Dallas auction showroom.

Bridgeport, Conn., September 29, 2020 – One of the many unique things about Black Rock Galleries (BRG) is its ability to attract talented people across the country for each of its brands. For BRG, expansion into the Dallas region is proving to be no different. BRG is pleased to announce the hiring of Lisa Steele, general manager for their newest location, BRG-Dallas, which recently began operations in August of this year. 

Lisa Steele, General Manager, BRG-Dallas

Lisa Steele is taking the Dallas estates and auction market by storm! She is a native Texan coming from a small east Texas town called Longview. (Yes, she knows the McConaugheys.) Steele has lived in “Big D” (Dallas) since college holding various communication positions at major consumer packaged goods companies around the city. 

Lisa discovered her love of traditional estate auctions back in the late 1990’s when she frequented an auction house each Friday night to see what was up for bids. For Lisa, the act of bidding and winning was thrilling. She even convinced her boyfriend at the time to regularly attend auctions with her. 

“One Friday night, the auctioneer said that he had a ring which belonged to someone in the audience and it was for me! My boyfriend proposed at the auction,” recalls Steele. “What an amazing and unique moment. A photographer captured it all and auction fever never left!”

After spending a while in the world of CPG, Steele decided to step away and do something she loved — actually work for an auction company who had moved into the area. She started her career there as a cataloger. Steele soon learned the business and eventually became the company’s consignment manager before the company’s departure from the Dallas market in 2019. 

“It was a fabulous four years! I couldn’t let my love of auctions die,” Steele remarks. “So I started my own online auction business called Auction Awe. It was AWEsome!”

But when Steele learned that Black Rock Galleries was coming to Dallas, she could not let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass her by. For Steele, joining BRG was the perfect match of being an entrepreneur while having the support of a successful company behind her.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this growing company — especially during a time of great uncertainty for many businesses,” adds Steele. “When I learned that Black Rock Galleries was considering the Dallas market, I instinctively knew that we’d make a great team. So far, I haven’t been disappointed.”

In the meantime, Steele is actively assembling her Dallas team which will include a product photographer, auction house cataloger, and warehouse associate to start. Simultaneously, Steele is actively seeking luxury level estate and personal property consignments for the BRG-Dallas’ first online auctions in the area. For more details contact Steele by emailing lisa.steele@blackrockgalleries.com or calling 469-906-0000. Additional details about Black Rock Galleries’ capabilities and services may be found online at www.blackrockgalleries.com.

Lisa lives in Richardson with her husband, daughter, and shih tzu. When she is not busy getting the new BRG-Dallas location up and running, she might be found hanging-out poolside, enjoying a glass of wine, or eating some really good Mexican food.

About BRG’s Expansion into Dallas

Black Rock Galleries’ expansion team had been eyeing Texas as a viable location for expansion for quite some time. The newest chapter in their growth required extensive planning and research, particularly in markets, locations, and the labor pool. They discovered that Dallas, TX checked all their requirement boxes. In fact, during a site visit in the winter of 2019, BRG’s managing partners, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, were so impressed with the talent pool and quality of warehouse locations available, that it became clear very quickly that Dallas would be the next location to open for the company.

One of the outcomes of that original site visit was a meeting between Lisa Steele and BRG’s expansion team. Steele, a lifelong Dallas area resident, has an extensive background in estates and online auctions. BRG named Steele the general manager, BRG-Dallas in the early spring.

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, created a one-stop estate liquidation enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport, Connecticut quickly grew into a unique business offering a luxury estate consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services, and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a 50,000 square feet industrial loft style showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, BRG has grown exponentially each year and boasts the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs almost 30 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and has become the East Coast’s preeminent estate liquidation and auction house. BRG’s expansion into the Dallas region marks the opening of a new gateway into the southern and southwestern estate liquidation market.

BRG is headquartered in Bridgeport, CT and has five auction preview showrooms/warehouses: BRG-Bridgeport; BRG-Greenwich; BRG-Boston; BRG-Raleigh; and BRG-Dallas. Its family of brand offerings include Black Rock Galleries, Black Rock Interiors, Clearing House Estate Sales, and AuctionNinja (an online auction SaaS platform for estate liquidators and auctioneers). For additional information visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

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While small businesses suffer from economic impacts of COVID-19, 
this growing company doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

Black Rock Galleries expands operations into the Dallas region.

Bridgeport, Conn., September 29, 2020 – Black Rock Galleries (BRG), a growing Connecticut based estate liquidation and online auction company has expanded beyond their New England locations into the south with BRG-Raleigh (which opened in the summer of 2019) and it’s newest location, BRG-Dallas, which is now operational in the greater Dallas, Texas area. 

BRG’s expansion team had been eyeing Texas as a viable location for expansion for quite some time. The newest chapter in their growth required extensive planning and research, particularly in markets, locations, and the labor pool. They discovered that Dallas checked all their requirement boxes. In fact, during a site visit in the winter of 2019, BRG’s managing partners, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, were so impressed with the talent pool and quality of warehouse locations available, that it became clear very quickly that Dallas would be the next location to open for the company.

Then COVID-19 began spreading across the country and businesses shut down — some temporarily and others permanently. The pandemic adversely affected small businesses in particular, but not BRG. After a short time where public business operations ceased while social distancing and health safety matters were hashed out in various states, behind the scenes, BRG’s estate liquidation and online auction business actually picked-up, as did continuance in their plans to open their Dallas location.

“Our initial site-visit to the Dallas region occurred before the Coronavirus took hold in the U.S. and it was a very productive trip,” remarks Christie Spooner, managing partner. “We were able to recruit our Dallas GM, Lisa Steele, from a wonderful pool of talented candidates. We are thrilled to have her join our growing team.”

Spooner is referring to one of the outcomes of that original site visit — a meeting between Lisa Steele and BRG’s expansion team. Steele, a lifelong Dallas area resident has an extensive background in estates and online auctions. Although she has an early career background in other industries, Steele eventually chose to work for an online auction company in order to pursue her passion of auctions. Beginning her new career as a cataloger, she learned the business and was promoted to Consignment Manager. When that company abandoned the Dallas market, Steele continued in the field and started-up her own online auction business, Auction Awe. Upon learning that BRG was eyeing the Dallas market, Steele reached out to the growing firm. She is now the general manager, BRG-Dallas and is actively assembling her Dallas team.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this growing company — especially during a time of great uncertainty for many businesses,” explains Steele. “When I learned that Black Rock Galleries was considering the Dallas market, I instinctively knew that we’d make a great team. I am not disappointed.”

In the meantime, the economic effects of the spreading Coronavirus caused many small businesses, including traditional estate sale companies, to shutter their doors forever.  Between state and local health and safety mandates as well as personal concerns for the safety of business owners and their employees, the traditional estate sale format suffered immensely. The difference between Black Rock Galleries and other estate liquidators is its proven online estate platform.

“Our online auction format is generally the safest route for the liquidation of estate and personal property for a number of reasons including the fact that people are not congregating to purchase items as in traditional estate sale formats,” explains Spooner. “It’s safer for the consignor and our staff because there won’t be people congregating and touching merchandise inside the house. It’s incredibly safe for our customers who can preview and purchase everything from the comfort of their own homes. It’s one of the reasons that Black Rock Galleries has been able to continue in moving forward with our growth and expansion, while so many other businesses, sadly, have had to shut their doors.”

‘Continue to move forward’ is the key to this story. As Steele gears-up for the Dallas market by hiring her staff, BRG is actively seeking luxury level estate and personal property consignments for the business’ first auctions in the Dallas area. For more details contact Steele at lisa.steele@blackrockgalleries.com or call 469-906-0000. Additional details about Black Rock Galleries’ capabilities and services may be found online at www.blackrockgalleries.com.

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, created a one-stop estate liquidation enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport, Connecticut quickly grew into a unique business offering a luxury estate consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services, and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a 50,000 square feet industrial loft style showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, BRG has grown exponentially each year and boasts the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs almost 30 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and has become the East Coast’s preeminent estate liquidation and auction house. BRG’s expansion into the Dallas region marks the opening of a new gateway into the southern and southwestern estate liquidation market.

BRG is headquartered in Bridgeport, CT and has five auction preview showrooms/warehouses: BRG-Bridgeport; BRG-Greenwich; BRG-Boston; BRG-Raleigh; and BRG-Dallas. Its family of brand offerings include Black Rock Galleries, Black Rock Interiors, Clearing House Estate Sales, and AuctionNinja (an online auction SaaS platform for estate liquidators and auctioneers). For additional information visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

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Boston to New York (and Back Again): MFA Boston's Curator Emerita Personal Collection Hits the Auction Block

Opportunity to bid on a piece of this fine estate collection starting at $1

Bridgeport, Conn., January 19, 2019 – Wandering through the magnificent halls and galleries of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA Boston) gazing upon priceless works of art, many are often oblivious to the fact that someone (or a team of someones) worked tirelessly to curate and artfully display the very collections being admired. Over the course of 30 years, a curator’s exposure to thousands of fine works of art will help them acquire a very discerning eye for detail and quality. This is most certainly the case for one renowned curator emerita of the MFA Boston, Barbara Stern Shapiro, as evidenced in her lifetime personal household collection ... from Boston to New York (and back to Boston again). 

BRG is pleased to offer this exquisite collection of fine art, antiques, mid-century furnishings, decorative arts, and household finery all hailing from the estate of Barbara Stern Shapiro in their Barbara Stern Shapiro Estate Boston online auction closing on Wednesday, January 29 exclusively at www.blackrockgalleries.com. Now her wonderful personal and private estate collection is available to the highest bidder in this absolute auction (no reserve) where all bids begin at one dollar. Among the interesting selection of unique lots, auction highlights include:

-- a Jessica Stockholder limited edition abstract mixed media
-- a Michele Oka Doner for Christofle limited edition silver plated palm vase
-- an Ekornes Stressless Scandinavian modern lounge chair with ottoman
-- a vintage Kevi desk chair designed by Jorgen Rasmussen
-- an early to mid-20th century Black, Starr, and Frost sterling silver footed tray (31.82 ozt)

Shapiro’s impressive career enabled her to curate a multitude of exhibitions and author over two dozen catalogs, along with contributing to many art related volumes written by others. For over three decades beginning in the 1970s, she managed exhibitions and catalogs for the likes of Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein. Her legacy lives on at MFA Boston in the Bernard and Barbara Stern Shapiro Gallery. After her retirement from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston in 2003, Shapiro’s involvement in the arts continued as a trustee for the IPCNY (International Print Center New York) a non-profit institution which dedicates itself to the presentation of prints emerging and established artists.

BRG invites you to view auction details, peruse the catalog featuring available lots in this unique estate collection, and registering your online bids by visiting www.blackrockgalleries.com. This online auction begins to close at 8:05 p.m. on January 29, 2020. This auction features extended bidding (please visit blackrockgalleries.com for details). BRG offers warehouse-to-warehouse transportation (between its Boston, Bridgeport, Greenwich, and Raleigh locations) of the auction lots for convenient pick-up for winning bidders. Happy bidding!

Photos:

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, created a one-stop estate liquidation enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity. Their belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a luxury estate consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services, and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a 50,000 square feet industrial loft style showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, BRG grows exponentially each year and boasts some of the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs over 25 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and is the east coasts preeminent estate liquidation and auction house. Black Rock Galleries is headquartered in Bridgeport, CT. BRG’s brands include Black Rock Galleries, Black Rock Interiors, Clearing House Estate Sales, and AuctionNinja (an online auction platform for estate liquidators and auction houses). BRG’s flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT and features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more. BRG also has four auction preview showrooms/warehouses: BRG-Bridgeport located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT; BRG-Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT; BRG-Boston located at 318 Bear Hill Road in Waltham, MA; and BRG-Raleigh located at 215 James Jackson Avenue in Cary, NC. For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

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High resolution photos available upon request.

 2019 

Gatsbyesque Old World Estate with Ties to Waldorf Astoria Hits the Auction Block

Virtually untouched “time-capsule” estate offered in Black Rock Galleries online auction

Bridgeport, Conn., November 7, 2019 – Amongst the decaying and now overgrown gardens lay the once pristine remnants of the Watch Hill Farm. The 13 acre farm, owned by the famous Claude Phillippe of the Waldorf Astoria, once blossomed with lavish poolside parties as if Gatsby himself was hosting. Frozen in time, the estate has been sentenced to the last 40 years in isolation. The closets and attic lie dormant with collections of wonderful treasures from trips in the 1940s and 50s to places only dreamt about by most. An old, tattered, and dusty leather jewelry box tucked away and long forgotten gives a glimpse into Philippe’s charmed life, with recently uncovered gold treasures. Paintings from voyages to France stacked in closets waiting to be temporarily saved by Rick Daley, senior appraiser for Black Rock Galleries (BRG), before being sold to the highest bidder in BRG’s Time Capsule Estate of Claude Philippe (Watch Hill Farm, NY) online auction closing on Wednesday, November 20.

Only available at www.blackrockgalleries.com, this sale is filled with many personal belongings originally hailing from the estate of Claudius C. Philippe, whose sophisticated style and flair lead to him being known worldwide as “Philippe of the Waldorf” — the Waldorf Astoria of New York, that is. During his highly visible career Philippe mingled and hobnobbed with celebrities, “old money” socialites, and the glitterati of the era at both hotel and his old world, expansive 18th century country retreat home. 

This Gatsbyesque story might be “made for Hollywood,” with the acclaimed hotelier, Claude Philippe, as the main character. Decades after the fully furnished estate was passed to the husband of Philippe’s widow, many of the original contents (curated by Philippe himself) remained untouched — down to the collection of Philippe’s cuff links discovered in the closet. Featuring 18th and 19th century period antique furniture and decorative arts, early sterling silver, a vast assortment of fine paintings, an extensive copper pot/cookware collection hand-chosen by Philippe, the Time Capsule Estate of Claude Philippe (Watch Hill Farm, NY) online auction offers bidders a vast selection of finery. To find auction details and view the available lots in this unique estate collection, visit www.blackrockgalleries.com. Happy bidding!

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, created a one-stop estate liquidation enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity. Their belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a luxury estate consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services, and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a 50,000 square feet industrial loft style showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, BRG grows exponentially each year and boasts some of the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs over 25 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and is the east coasts preeminent estate liquidation and auction house. Black Rock Galleries is headquartered in Bridgeport, CT. BRG’s brands include Black Rock Galleries, Black Rock Interiors, Clearing House Estate Sales, and AuctionNinja (an online auction platform for estate liquidators and auction houses). BRG’s flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT and features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more. BRG also has four auction preview showrooms/warehouses: BRG-Bridgeport located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT; BRG-Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT; BRG-Boston located at 318 Bear Hill Road in Waltham, MA; and BRG-Raleigh located at 215 James Jackson Avenue in Cary, NC. For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

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Three Reasons BRG's Exceptional Winter 2019 is Going LIVE!

Black Rock Galleries is moving away from their online only auctino format for this one exceptional sale on Sunday, March 3, 2019.

Bridgeport, Conn., February 12, 2019 – It is exceptional auction time once again at BRG and Black Rock Galleries (BRG) is pleased to offer their Exceptional Winter 2019 Auction as a LIVE event on Sunday, March 3 beginning at 1 p.m. With an additional Live Decorative Arts Auction with no-reserves ‘warm-up’ auction preceding the Exceptional sale at noon, over 350 outstanding quality lots including jewelry, antiques, mid century modern pieces, silver, china, and an extensive collection of fine art are available to the highest bidders. 

BRG has not held a live auction in over four years, since moving all auction operations onto their custom proprietary online auction platform. So what is so special about BRG's Exceptional Winter 2019 sale that would have them dusting off the auctioneer podium and gavel you ask? There are several reasons: 

• First, the caliber of this particular auction merits a live auction format because it includes works from old and new masters, many of which hail from an art “super collector’s” estate.
• Second, the extensive selection of fine estate jewelry, mid century modern pieces, and decorative arts simply love a live bidding audience.
• Finally, a production team will be on-site at the auction house filming both live auctions for a future network television show chronicling one family's estate sale journey. 

As a result, the auctioneer’s gavel is being polished and the chairs are being set for one really special live auction event.

Auction Previews:

Black Rock Galleries is offering previews from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 22, February 23, and February 26 through March 2, as well as 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, March 3 at their Bridgeport headquarters located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605.

Bidding Details:

Bidders are welcome to participate and register in person through Sunday, March 3. BRG will also accept absentee and telephone bids registered through their online platform — visit www.blackrockgalleries.com for details. Additionally, online bidders may participate through liveauctioneers.com or invaluable.com. 

Exceptional Auction Highlights:

BRG is offering some rare and spectacular pieces from old masters to new; contemporary abstracts to 18th century portraits. This collection is perfect for the art collector, connoisseur, and high-end decorator. Here is a small sampling auction highlights:

• Lot #13:  Patek Philippe Watch, 150th Anniversary, Reference 3960 with Original Receipt & 
Other Paperwork

• Lot #46:  Asprey Rock Crystal Elephant 18k Tusks and Feet With Genuine Diamond Eyes 

• Lot #57:  Asprey Sterling Silver Flatware Service for Twelve Plus Serving Pieces (Total of 129 Pieces)

• Lot #75:  Magnificent 19th Century Meissen Pate Sir Pate Porcelain Mantel Clock

• Lot #77:  Pair of Antique Lidded Porcelain Vases with Gilt Bronze Mounts (KPM Attributed)

• Lot #97:  Pair of Chinese Daoguang Painted Porcelain Jardinieres 

• Lot #165:  Rare & Outstanding Harvey Probber Games Table & Scissor Chairs

• Lot #171:  Rare Alfredo Barbini (Italian, 1912-2007) Green Murano Glass Vase, Circa 1950

• Lot #242:  Charles M. Russell (American, 1864-1926) Watercolor Titled "Encounter on the Plains”

• Lot #243:  Arthur Szyk (Polish-Jewish-American, 1894-1951) "Pax Teutonica" Signed Ink and Watercolor on Paper

• Lot #245:  Margaret Keane (American, B.1927), Portrait of a Girl with a Vase of Flowers

• Lot #248:  Attributed to Giovanni Agostino Cassana (1658-1720) 17th C. Old Master Oil on Canvas, Chickens in a Landscape

For more information on Black Rock Galleries and their offerings and services visit www.blackrockgalleries.com or call 203-335-0000.

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new 50,000 square feet showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries. 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, Black Rock Galleries grows exponentially each year and boasts some of the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs over 25 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and is the northeast’s preeminent estate liquidation and auction house.

Black Rock Galleries’ headquarters and flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors, is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. Black Rock Interiors features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style. Black Rock Galleries has two auction preview showrooms: BRG-Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT and BRG-Boston located at 318 Bear Hill Road in Waltham, MA. For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.


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 2018 

Operation Hope Invitation Pays-Off Big Time!

Under-valued vase earmarked for Operation Hope tag sale sells
in BRG - Greenwich online auction for over $4,300.

Bridgeport, Conn., December 11, 2018 – When a volunteer from Operation Hope of Fairfield invited Black Rock Galleries (BRG) to help them valuate items in their Annual Tag Sale fundraiser, the Operation Hope volunteers probably never expected the results they got. In fact, during the consultation, BRG’s appraisal team spotted a vase mixed in with a seemingly limitless assortment of generic porcelain and glass.  The vase, originally priced by the Operation Hope volunteers for fifteen dollars, quickly sparked a conversation, as BRG explained that the vase was truly under-valued. At Operation Hope’s request, BRG agreed to sell the vase in an Exceptional Fall Greenwich auction. That fifteen dollar vase commanded over $4,300 for Operation Hope.

Assumed to be just another pretty decorative vase by the organization’s volunteers, the BRG team noticed a Famille Rose bottle-form vase with exquisite hand-enameling of butterfly and floral sprig decorations over white ground. The 15 inch tall vase bore blue calligraphic script markings on the base under-glaze. Although the six character markings on the base translated to ‘Emperor Guangxu,’ the vase showed no signs of aging and use that are typical with pieces of that period. As a result, BRG listed the vase as, ‘possibly of the period, but unconfirmed.’   

“A bidder in Palo Alto, California purchased that fifteen dollar vase for over $4,300 in our exceptional auction,” explains Christie Spooner, managing partner of Black Rock Galleries. “That’s quite a jump! Our expertise in finding value in pieces that others overlook, along with our online auction platform, helped Operation Hope realize a 20,000 percent increase in the revenue of that one piece. That’s huge.”  

In fact, as the BRG team left the Operation Hope tag sale staging area with the vase in hand, another local auction house dealer saw it and said that the vase was not anything special. Black Rock Galleries disagreed and the auction results proved their theory. BRG is a small, boutique auction house whose combined expertise in appraisals and valuations exceeds 200 years. Add in the bidding excitement that BRG’s custom, house-built online auction platform creates and their  specialized marketing mix, it is easy to see how this growing business achieves exceptional results.

“This vase is just one example of the power and reach of our capabilities,” Spooner continues. “We love being able to help causes like Operation Hope exceed their fundraising goals and welcome helping other local charities, foundations, and organizations gain higher prices-realized in items they are looking to sell. We are thrilled to be able to present Operation Hope with a check for over $4,300.”

For more information on Black Rock Galleries and their appraisal services for charitable organizations, visit www.blackrockgalleries.com or call 203-335-0000.

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new 50,000 square feet showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries. 

Since launching its house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform in 2014, Black Rock Galleries grows exponentially each year and boasts some of the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs over 20 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations, and is the northeast’s preeminent estate liquidation and auction house.

Black Rock Galleries’ headquarters and flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors, is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. Black Rock Interiors features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style. Black Rock Galleries has two auction preview showrooms: BRG-Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT and BRG-Boston located at 318 Bear Hill Road in Waltham, MA. For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.


# # #

Two-Day October Greenwich Auctions at Boutique Auction House
Grosses Just Under One Million Dollars in Sales

Bridgeport based Black Rock Galleries takes in record bids in two-day Greenwich auction series 
featuring an Auguste Rodin “Buste de Saint-Jean Baptiste” and other items of distinction.

Bridgeport, Conn., October 17, 2018 – The auction business at Black Rock Galleries (BRG) continues to grow for the seventh consecutive year, particularly with regards to the online auctions offered through their Greenwich, CT satellite location. As overall gross auction sales steadily rise for the boutique auction house, who first launched their own custom house-built online bidding platform almost four years ago, BRG’s Greenwich location (BRG-Greenwich) is boasting nearly one million dollars in gross sales from last week’s two-day auction series, featuring an August Rodin “Buste de Saint-Jean Baptiste” among other extraordinary items.

“Part of our impressive results stem from our unique ability to personalize our marketing outreach in a way that enables us to connect with the right buying audience,” explains Christie Spooner, managing partner. “Combine this with our proprietary online-only auction platform and we are able to emulate an unprecedented level of bidder excitement that creates success for an auction house of our size.”

In addition to Black Rock Galleries’ expansive auction marketing networking skills, their progress also stems from the breadth of its in-house experience that recognizes value in things that other companies fail to spot — and people are taking notice. This experience enables Black Rock Galleries to bring to market unique pieces that are often overlooked, which is how they came to acquire an impressive Auguste Rodin “Buste de Saint-Jean Baptiste” bronze, the highlight of the Exceptional Fall Greenwich sale, which alone grossed over $450,000. When included with the other extraordinary lots offered in the two-day auction series, BRG’s gross revenue totaled nearly one million dollars — the highest two-day revenues for the boutique auction house.

“We realize that the auction sales results we are seeing can only happen when you have a great team supporting the business and the right bidder base,” states Spooner. “The amount of collective experience our entire team brings to the table is quite remarkable for a business of our size. It’s one of the key drivers of our success.”

In fact, the small, boutique auction house exceeds 200 years in combined expertise in appraisals and valuations of estates. Add in BRG’s specialized marketing mix, as well as overall high level of customer satisfaction and it is clear to see why both consignors and bidders alike choose BRG as their go-to source for buying and selling items of distinction.

Since launching its online estates auction platform at the end of 2014, Black Rock Galleries grows exponentially each year and boasts some of the highest sell-through rates in the industry. The business now employs over 20 people as it continues to expand its offerings and locations. For more information on Black Rock Galleries and their services, visit www.blackrockgalleries.com or call 203-335-0000.

About Black Rock Galleries:

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new 50,000 square feet showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries. 

With BRG's house-built proprietary online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially and is the northeast’s preeminent estate liquidation and auction house.

Black Rock Galleries’ headquarters and flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors, is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. Black Rock Interiors features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style. Black Rock Galleries has two auction preview showrooms: BRG-Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT and BRG-Boston located at 318 Bear Hill Road in Waltham, MA. For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

Missed and Unnoticed: Estate Holds ‘Lost’ Rodin Bronze Buste de Saint Jean-Baptiste Now on the Auction Block

Hidden in plain sight Rodin bust of Saint John the Baptist in Rye, NY estate is now available to the highest bidder in Exceptional Greenwich Fall Auction at Black Rock Galleries.

GREENWICH, Conn., September 26, 2018 –  Amongst a sea of outdated dark brown wood furniture lay a rare, once considered lost, Francois Auguste Rene Rodin (1840-1917, French) bronze Buste de Saint Jean-Baptiste hidden in plain sight. The Rodin work of art was missed by several well-known auction houses. However, when the Black Rock Galleries (BRG) estates team initially met with the estate’s executor, they immediately noticed the bronze.

“When we go into an estate, we look at everything, not just the ‘pretty’ things,” explains BRG managing partner, Grant Panarese. “Because we take the time to investigate beyond the ‘dark brown stuff,’ we often notice things that others overlook. Actually, this spectacular bronze was sitting on a pedestal in the foyer — a pretty prominent place. However, with all the other dark furnishings in the space, this piece was easy to miss; for the untrained eye, that is.”

While there are a handful of John the Baptist busts in museums around the world, what sets this one apart from the others is that the Gruet foundry Rodin selected to cast this particular bronze sculpture only cast two. One is held in the Plateau (formerly the Rodin Museum) in Seoul, Korea. The second was considered ‘lost’ ... until now. This Buste de Jean-Baptiste sculpture has been in the private estate collection of philanthropist and original CBS co-founder, Arthur Judson. The Judson estate is offering this spectacular Rodin bronze in Black Rock Galleries’ Exceptional Fall Greenwich online auction.

BRG is proud to offer what appears to be the second, lost, casting. Technically, dimensionally and aesthetically, the bronze appears to be genuine. Copies are known to exist of the later Rudier casts, as well as later casts made from plaster in the Godard Foundry. None is known of the piece at hand. Signed ‘Gruet et fils, aine [Sr.],’ it is clearly new to the marketplace with a provenance that stretches back at least 60 years.

“Because we believe this Rodin is truly as presented, we are offering the winning bidder a 90 day guarantee,” states Panarese. “During this time the funds payed by the highest bidder will be held in escrow and the winning bidder has the opportunity to have the piece authenticated.”

It is believed that the bronze was acquired by Arthur Judson in the 1950s or 1960s. Since Judson’s death, the well-tended estate remained in the family for decades. However, the private sale home pushed the estate’s executor to liquidate much of the estate contents, including this Rodin Buste de Jean-Baptiste bronze. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a world-class object, from an edition of two, by an iconic sculptor.

“We’re also very pleased to handle other ‘brown wood’ estates,” quips Panarese. “In this business, you never know what rare treasures you’ll come across.”

Auction Details:
The Exceptional Fall Greenwich Sale online auction closes on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 and provides a rare opportunity for designers, collectors, and homeowners alike to purchase highly coveted pieces. With the exception of a few select lots, all bids begin at $1 with no reserves. The first lot closes at 8:05 p.m. with another lot closing every 20 seconds thereafter. Visit www.blackrockgalleries.com to view the full online catalog and to register your bids.

In addition to the Auguste Rodin bronze, the Exceptional Fall Greenwich Sale offers an extraordinary collection of fine art, jewelry, antiques, and more all hailing from fine New York, Westchester, and Fairfield County estates. Auction highlights include:

--  an Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) Original Bronze Head of John the Baptist, Gruet Foundry, Paris (Item #85408)
--  a Platinum, Cabochon Sapphire & Diamond Ring, Size 6 - 7.75 (Item #90333)
--  a Henry Dasson, Paris, French ormolu-mounted mahogany vitrine cabinet dated 1890 (Item #90256)
--  a Jospeh Hirsch (American, 1910 - 1981) oil on canvas entitled "Girl Combing” (Item #85521)
--  a Gustave Wolff (American 1863-1935) industrial oil on canvas (Item #85386)
--  four Thomas Hart Benton lithographs (Item #90711, 90712, 90713, and 85936)
--  two Steinway pianos:
        Steinway baby grand piano - Model L (item #91410);
        Steinway & Sons grand piano Model B, ca. 1907 in highly figured mahogany case (item #90300)
--  a pair of antique Chinese elaborately enameled and decorated chargers with dragon motifs (item #85505)

Previews:
Previews will take place from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 29; Tuesday, October 2 through Saturday, October 6; and Monday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 10 at Black Rock Galleries - Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.  Private appointments are also available by calling the BRG - Greenwich location at 203-900-1110.

About Black Rock Galleries:
Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new 50,000 square feet showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's house-built online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially and is New England's preeminent estate liquidation and auction house.  

Black Rock Galleries’ headquarters and flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors, is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT.  Black Rock Interiors features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style.  Black Rock Galleries’ Greenwich auction preview showroom is located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT.  For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

Nor’easter Quinn is No Match for BRG’s Exceptional Winter Greenwich Sale

With custom-built online bidding platform, sales of rare and forgotten collections offered
as part of Black Rock Galleries Greenwich Week auction series did not suffer.

GREENWICH, Conn., March 20, 2018 –  Still riding high from the tremendous success of Black Rock Galleries’ Greenwich Week Auction Series, despite the severe winter weather encompassing virtually the entire U.S. east coast as the result of nor’easter Quinn, Black Rock Galleries (BRG) pushes onward with their custom-designed house-built online estates auction platform — and they are shaking up the estate industry in the process.

In a strategic decision to transition BRG’s estate liquidations (a.k.a. traditional estate sales) to online estate auctions three and a half years ago, Black Rock Galleries’ managing partners, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, risked it all in developing BRG’s now wildly successful online platform. Their Greenwich Week auction series is proving to be the biggest payoff for their efforts yet. Plus, at the same time, BRG is changing the entire estate industry in the process.

Greenwich Week Auction Series
The Greenwich Week Auction Series featured three auctions including the Exceptional Winter Greenwich Sale, a Single Owner Greenwich Estate, and a specialized Antique Microscopes Sale which closed on March 7, 8, and 9th respectively.  All of the items offered in the Single Owner Greenwich and Microscope sales, as well as a vast majority of items in the Exceptional Winter Greenwich sale, hailed from an abandoned and sealed off Greenwich estate that remained unoccupied and neglected for years but held a treasure trove of exceptional finds.  The combined hammer prices from all three auctions was over $400,000 + buyers premiums. The net proceeds of consignments from the abandoned estate, per the estate’s legal team, are earmarked to benefit two Greenwich educational charities: Greenwich High School Student Loan Fund and the Greenwich Scholarship Association.

What made these online auctions different from traditional auctions?
In short, online estate auctions command higher bidder turnout. With the Exceptional Winter Greenwich sale alone, Black Rock Galleries had over 560 active bidders participating in the auction, all of whom had already been truly vetted by BRG’s automated system.

“The success proves that the online estates auction platform is the future for the industry.  In fact, as was the case in this auction, it’s completely weatherproof. The Exceptional Winter Greenwich sale closed on the night that the nor’easter ‘Quinn’ dumped over a foot of snow in most areas of Connecticut alone,” explains Panarese. “We didn’t worry about low bidder turnout — like you would at a traditional, live auction or estate sale. Our bidders were warm at home, enjoying dinner, TV, perhaps even a cocktail or two while their kids are playing video games in the background. If this were a live auction or estate sale, no-one would have shown-up, perhaps we might have had a handful of telephone bidders, and our sale would have fallen flat — all because of the weather. Our system eliminates that problem.”

The online auction format also enables bidders from all over the globe to participate in the auction without waiting for an auction clerk to call them for their telephone bids.  BRG’s bidders can place their maximum bids and adjust them as often as they want from their personal dashboards until the lot closes.

What are the final results of the auction?
Unlike many other auction houses, BRG does not actively publish results of our online auctions. 

“We are very protective of our bidders.  They appreciate the sense of privacy,” explains Spooner. ”Often our bidders are resellers who prefer our  policy of discretion in publishing prices realized at auctions, it’s what brings them back to bid time and time again.” 

With that said, BRG is pleased to announce that the collections antique blue and white Chinese porcelains (many of Christie’s provenance) collectively hammered at over $90,000.  Additionally, subsequent to the close of the auctions, BRG was asked to broker the resale of the Claes Oldenburg “Profile Airflow” limited edition artwork piece to a third party for an undisclosed amount, that was substantially higher than the original hammer price of over $35,000.

About Black Rock Galleries:
Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new 50,000 square feet showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's house-built online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially and is New England's preeminent estate liquidation and auction house.  

Black Rock Galleries’ headquarters and flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors, is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT.  Black Rock Interiors features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style.  Black Rock Galleries’ Greenwich auction preview showroom is located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT.  For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

Abandoned & Sealed Off Greenwich Estate Conceals Veritable Treasure Trove

Rare and forgotten collections of Chinese porcelain, antiques, and curiosities uncovered
and offered in Black Rock Galleries’ Exceptional Winter Greenwich Sale.

GREENWICH, Conn., February 21, 2018 – What happens when an eccentric retiree completely abandons her home to the elements and lives out her remaining years in a luxury hotel, completely disconnected from her home?  Eventually the home becomes overrun by the elements.  Dust settles in, not to mention the arrival of leaks, peeling wall-paper, falling plaster, and cracks in the walls and windows.  While this scenario may play out in the opening scene of a cinematic thriller, it is reality for one spacious Bruce Park community estate in Greenwich, CT that was sealed off from public sight and remained virtually untouched, abandoned, and neglected for years.  

When Black Rock Galleries (BRG) was approached by the estate’s legal team to take on the task of liquidating the estate, managing partner, Grant Panarese, and estates and acquisitions manager, Rick Daley, were intrigued.  Where other industry professionals may scoff at the idea of sifting through years of debris, the BRG team vigorously tackles the job.  These are the types of homes that inveterate estate professionals only hear rumors about.  In this case the abandoned estate was filled with a treasure trove of period furniture and desirable collections including: antique blue and white Chinese porcelains mostly acquired about 40 years ago from Christie’s; a rare Claes Oldenberg “Profile Airflow” limited edition artwork, an 18k gold ladies Patek Philippe Nautilus wristwatch (model 4700) which was discovered wrapped in a wad of tissues hidden in a purse within a pile of discarded handbags; a Miguel Berrocal (Spain, 1933-2006) Torero Bronze Puzzle Sculpture with signed instruction book with Christie’s provenance; and a vintage Steinway Model B ebonized concert grand piano, just to name several of the hundreds of amazing pieces acquired in the residence.

“Entering this residence was like adventuring on a new archeological expedition where delicate searching and investigating really payed off.  Sifting through the years of dust, cobwebs and other assorted trappings, we were able to uncover exceptional pieces,” explains Daley. “We realize that as an outré collector, the estate’s owner walked a very fine line between eccentric collecting and hoarding.”

In fact, eccentricity is the key to estate contents which are scheduled to be sold in an online auction as part of Black Rock Galleries’ Exceptional Winter Greenwich Sale, which also features over 245 lots rounded out with antiques, jewelry, art, and a variety of curiosities hailing from other fine estates from New York and Connecticut.  Additionally, because there are no heirs to inherit this abandoned estate’s collection, all of the net proceeds for the estate’s sales are earmarked for charity and will be donated to the Greenwich High School Student Loan Fund and the Greenwich Scholarship Association.

Auction Details:
The Exceptional Winter Greenwich Sale online auction closes on Wednesday, March 7 and provides a rare opportunity for designers, collectors, and homeowners alike to purchase highly coveted pieces. With the exception of a few select lots, all bids begin at $1 with no reserves. The first lot closes at 7:35 p.m. with another lot closing every 20 seconds thereafter. Visit www.blackrockgalleries.com to view the full online catalog and to register your bids.

Previews:
Previews will take place from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 24; Tuesday, February 27 through Saturday, March 3; and Tuesday, March 6 through Wednesday, March 7 at Black Rock Galleries - Greenwich located at 179 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.  Private appointments are also available by calling the BRG - Greenwich location at 203-900-1110.

About Black Rock Galleries:
Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor should not be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new 50,000 square feet showroom and a new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's house-built online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially and is New England's preeminent estate liquidation and auction house.  

Black Rock Galleries’ headquarters and flagship luxury consignment showroom, Black Rock Interiors, is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT.  Black Rock Interiors features a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine and decorative art, and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style.  Black Rock Galleries’ Greenwich auction preview showroom is located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, CT.  For information, hours, special events, and all BRG offerings visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

# # #

 2017 

BRG's Charity Auction Helping Abandoned Animals

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., May 31, 2017 – What do abandoned pets have to do with Black Rock Galleries' online Spring Abandoned Lots Charity Auction?  Well, in short, the CT Humane Society!  We love animals, especially those that have been abandoned.  In fact, owners and managing partners, Christie and Grant, have rescue pets in their own household.

With this love for animals in mind, we are partnering with the Connecticut Humane Society and donating 100% of the net proceeds from our upcoming online Spring Abandoned Lots Charity Auction to them; aiding in their mission of providing shelter and medical care to animals in need.  The online Spring Abandoned Lots Charity Auction will run through June 27.

What are "abandoned lots?"
Over the course of each year, we collect an accumulations of auction lots that are not claimed by winning bidders.  These are known as 'abandoned lots.' These lots take up much needed space in our Bridgeport auction warehouse and so they are periodically liquidated in an abandoned lot auction. This is the first time that BRG is offering the net proceeds of an abandoned lots auction to a charitable organization. 

"We are always looking for ways to give back to the greater community who has been so very good to us.  This year, we were looking for a cause that truly speaks to us," explains Spooner. "Because we love animals, especially rescue animals, we reached out to the Connecticut Humane Society, who was very receptive to the idea of our Spring Abandoned Lots Charity Auction helping their cause."  

How do I participate in this auction?
Bidders who wish to participate in our online Spring Abandoned Lots Charity Auction may view the auction catalog and register to bid through our website  The first lot will close at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27 with additional lots closing every 20 seconds thereafter. This auction offers "extended bidding" which extends the closing time by five minutes for any last minute bids placed within the last five minutes of closing to allow other bidders an opportunity to increase their bids.  All bids begin at $1.  Bidders may adjust their maximum bid(s) at anytime during the auction. 

About The Connecticut Humane Society
The Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state and helps thousands of pets every year, since its founding in 1881. CHS is an independent non-profit organization and does not receive any funding from the government or national humane organizations. "The Connecticut Humane Society is the leading resource in the state for companion animal welfare, enriching the lives of families and communities through adoption services, medical care, education, and prevention of cruelty."  The Connecticut Humane Society relies solely on the generosity and support of its donors and volunteers, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization (tax ID #06-0667605), and serves all of Connecticut with locations in Newington, Waterbury, and Westport.  Like us / follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

About A Corporate Image

A Corporate Image is a team of professional photographers, videographers, editors and marketers with a creative eye to transform the ordinary into extraordinary. Whether it is headshots of staff, a testimonial video of customers, or an aerial view of property, A Corporate Image will help to bring every subject to life.  Like us / follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About the Local Vault
The Local Vault is a new kind of marketplace for new and pre-owned luxury home furnishings and decor. TLV provides a unique opportunity for shoppers to gain access to exclusive brands, to-the-trade only pieces, bespoke furniture, unique and fabulous vintage and antique finds, all conveniently available for sale online.  TLV’s team of curators personally vet each and every piece so that you can shop with confidence knowing that each product has received our stamp of approval. Visit thelocalvault.com.  Like us / follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

About Matthew & Company Vintage Painted Furniture
Matthew & Company is full of creative and colorful furnishings for home, office or business.  Matthew Tyrrell and his associates consistently include a cheerful mix of patterns and colors to their designs, with a little dose of whimsy.  They also transform solid, well-constructed pieces furniture into current, fresh pieces usable in today's design esthetics.  Like us / follow us on Facebook or call (203) 550-8368.

 2016 

Black Rock Galleries Sponsors A Taste of Fairfield's VIP Lounge

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 23, 2016 – Black Rock Galleries is sponsoring the VIP Lounge for October 9th's A Taste of Fairfield at the Delamar of Southport being hosted by Town Vibe / Fairfield Magazine.  A variety of restaurants, winemakers, brewers, and others will fill the courtyard of the Delamar Southport/Artisan serving their signature dishes along with cocktails and beverages to fun-loving foodies. There will be music, games, and roving entertainment.  BRG's VIP Lounge offers an added bonus, guests can relax while servers present to them the variety of delicious offerings in the comfort of the lounge area!  Proceeds from the Taste of Fairfield benefit Operation Hope.

Participating restaurants include (more to be added):  

The Taste of Fairfield takes place on Sunday, October 9, 2016, from 1 pm to 5 pm at The Delamar/Artisan located at 275 Old Post Road, Southport, CT (rain or shine).

Pre-purchased general admission tickets cost $50, which includes food, drink, and entertainment all afternoon. A VIP pass is $100 and provides food, drink, entertainment, private parking, and access to a lounge with TV and food service. Children 15 and under are $20.

TownVibe/Fairfield Magazine, publisher of magazines for Fairfield County is organizing this gastronomic event. TownVibe strives to connect people, organizations, and businesses in the community. 

# # #

Black Rock Galleries & the Estate of Beverly Lopez Donates $1,850 to
The Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative

BRG matches estate donation from the sale of The Beverly Lopez Collection: a Lifetime’s Works

Bridgeport, Conn., July 25, 2016 –Black Rock Galleries (BRG) in Bridgeport and the Estate of Beverly Lopez recently donated $1,850 to The Kennedy Center’s Maggic Daly Arts Cooperative (MDAC) in Bridgeport, which represents 10% of the proceeds from the sale of The Beverly Lopez Collection: A Lifetime’s Works.

Celebrating the success of this art sale BRG’s managing partner, Christie Spooner, along with BRG’s art show intern, Margeaux Dupuy, presented the donation check to MDAC’s  manager, Stephanie Campbell and the Kennedy Center’s vice president of development, Jo Ann McMullan.  BRG obtained the estate of Beverly Lopez last year and curated the sale of his life’s works.  

“As a Bridgeport-based business that supports local causes, MDAC (which works with artists with a range of disabilities and abilities) seemed like the perfect organization to support,” explained Spooner.  She continued, “A portion of the proceeds from this sale benefited MDAC, a well-respected, innovative art program affiliated with The Kennedy Center.  As a nonprofit arts organization, we wanted recognize the great work of the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative, which provides individuals with intellectual disabilities an environment to thrive in the arts.”

Black Rock Galleries recently offered the Lopez Collection to the public, which featured original, never-before-offered, original works of art from the estate of Beverly Lopez.  Lopez was a lifelong artist and long time resident of Weston, CT.  The Beverly Lopez Collection featured an extensive variety of paintings, sketches, and sculptures spanning many genres including equine, religious, African American/Black, illustrations, and ethnic art. All works were original pieces created by Beverly Lopez himself. Because of the vast variety of genres he worked in, Lopez used as many as 30 pen-names including Bev Lopez, Coby, Rob MacQueen, Barzoni, Quintana, Harvey Gilmen, Paul Boren, and TC Morris; just to name a few. Some of his pieces were reproduced commercially by printing companies, while many others remained part of his private, personal collection.

“We are very pleased to have received this generous and unexpected donation from Black Rock Galleries, part of Bridgeport’s vibrant art community,” added Stephanie Campbell, The Kennedy Center’s MDAC Manager.  

About The Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative

MDAC specializes in expressive arts and has a yoga/dance studio on site. Some of the activities offered include: visual arts and mixed media, painting, cartooning, photography, weaving, ceramics, music, movement, meditation, and yoga classes as well as outings to museums and art galleries. MDAC, located in  Downtown Bridgeport, is designed to provide an innovative environment where individuals with disabilities, can learn, create and benefit by participating in a multi-faceted arts program.

About Black Rock Galleries

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new facility with over 50,000 square feet of showroom space and its new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's new online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the support of their clients.  

BRG's flagship showroom and auction hall is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  BRG - Greenwich is located at 179 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut,.  BRG - Harmony Hall located at 15 Liberty Rock Road in Sloatsburg, New York.  Details for locations, hours, special events, and offerings may be found at blackrockgalleries.com.  Private appointments are available upon request.  All locations feature a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style. For more information, visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

BRG Offers the Beverly Lopez Collection

Weston, CT artist estate's never-before-offered, original works of art in sale and exhibition with a
portion of the proceeds benefiting the arts at the Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., April 12, 2016 – African American family scenes depicted with vivid colors are rare finds and such pieces are only a part of the Beverly Lopez 

Collection which Black Rock Galleries (BRG) is offering at their Bridgeport showroom located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue beginning at an opening reception taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 6.  The sale continues throughout the month of May, during normal business hours; Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A portion of the sales proceeds from the Beverly Lopez Collection will benefit the Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative in Bridgeport; providing individuals with intellectual disabilities an environment where they may participate in a multi-faceted arts program using mixed media, painting, music, and more.  The Beverly Lopez collection features an extensive variety of paintings, sketches, and sculptures spanning many genres including equine, religious, African American/Black, illustrations, and ethnic art.  Featured pieces will also be available for purchase through Black Rock Galleries' website after May 7 at www.blackrockgalleries.com.  

Since the fall of 2016 and under the guidance of managing partners Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, BRG's Margeaux Dupuy is curating the estate's collection of original works created by Lopez over the course of his life.  "In terms of artisans, Lopez was a true renaissance man as a self-taught artist who created amazing paintings, sculptures, sketches and more.  The breadth of this collection is amazing," explains Dupuy.  "I have to admit that my favorite pieces from the collection are the African American sibling paintings because they sort of remind me of my brothers and I; and the facial expressions truly seem to capture their affection for each other."

Other highlights of this collection include:

• "Mother and Son Time" (a soft, filtered portrait of an African American mother holding her son);
• African Portrait (a magnificent portrait sketch of an ethnic African woman);
• "Buffalo Soldiers" painting (rare illustrative painting of African-American soldiers of the west);
• "Magpie" (a miniature Native American sculpture),
• "Little Farmers Going Fishing" (a lighthearted illustration that embodies summertime fun);
• "Cavalier" (an impeccably detailed equine/horse sculpture);
• "Kitten Family Portrait" (incredibly detailed group of adorable kittens);
• "Woman Holding Up Her Hair" (a beautiful sketch featuring the back of a nude woman fixing her hair).

Lopez, an American artist whose original works are uncirculated, was only known for his exceptional artistic talent in sculpture, painting, and commercial art.  Lopez was commissioned as a commercial artist for many companies including Grinnel Lithographers, Singer Company, Scafa Tournabene, and the Danbury Mint; where his works were used for greeting cards, posters, and the like.  Because Lopez worked in a variety of genres, he signed many of his pieces under one of his numerous pseudonyms (it is believed there are as many as 30) including C. Downey, Barzoni, Marcell, Alan Grant, and Ken Miller, just to name a few.  

Lopez was born in 1922 into New York City’s illustrious Pinkney-Watt family and grew up fully immersed in his family's thoroughbred breeding business.  In fact, the Pinkney-Watt family was famous for breeding “Maid of Harlem” a horse that subsequently became a muse for world renowned equine painter, Henry Stull.  Lopez’s mother, Grace Farrington Watt Lopez, was an artist herself and the daughter of Archibald Watt, Harlem’s legendary real estate magnate.  His father was the renowned Preferred Havana Cigar manufacturer, Manuel Lopez.  In his youth, Lopez attended school until the eighth grade and eventually stopped in order to find work. 

As an impassioned young artist, Lopez studied under famous sculptors James Earl Fraser, Berthold Nebel, and muralist Barry Faulkner; all of whom were well-known for their monuments and mural works in the New York tri-state and Washington, D.C. areas.  Additionally, by 1938, Lopez worked commercially, creating children’s illustrations, religious portraits, animal illustrations, sculptures, and greeting cards.  He also produced many works of ethnic art including black, African, and African-American religious art.  Additionally, Lopez was an avid equine enthusiast resulting in a commission by E. Roland Harriman in 1952 to sculpt pieces for the Trotter Museum Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York, where his amazing equine sculptures are still on display.  In fact, Lopez spent his lifetime studying, painting, and sculpting magnificent horses.  With his amazing eye for the complexities of a horse’s body and personality, Lopez successfully captured the spirit of his subjects in his equine sculptures and paintings. Subsequently, Lopez received the Pinnacle Award from the museum for his lifelong devotion to horses.  

Primarily working for companies in New York and Connecticut, Lopez eventually settled in Weston, Connecticut where he developed lifelong friendships with local artists from Weston, Wilton, Westport, and Easton, until his death in 2014.  

Black Rock Galleries acquired the estate of Beverly Lopez in 2015 and is curating his original pieces into the Beverly Lopez Collection sale and exhibit.  All the pieces in this exhibition and sale are original pieces, some were reproduced commercially, while many others remained part of Lopez’s personal and private collection of sketches, paintings, and sculptures. 

About Black Rock Galleries

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new facility with over 50,000 square feet of showroom space and its new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's new online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the support of their clients. 

BRG's flagship showroom and auction hall is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. BRG - Greenwich is located at 179 Hamilton Avenue, with easy access just over the New York border from I-95 (exit 2) and is open every Wednesday from 10-3 for open appraisals.  Additional hours for special events and offerings are available through the website and by private appointment are available.  BRG is anticipating the opening BRG-Harmony Hall this spring, located in New York's Hudson Valley. All locations feature a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style. For additional information visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

 2015 

BRG Announces Second Location in Greenwich, CT

Expanding its wide range of fine art, estate jewelry, antiques & more to CT's Gold Coast.

Bridgeport, Conn., November 23, 2015 – Black Rock Galleries, New England's largest auction house and consignment showroom, is expanding its efforts this week and opening a second location in Greenwich, CT.  Christie Spooner and Grant Panarese, managing partners of Black Rock Galleries, announce the opening of Black Rock Galleries - Greenwich (BRG - Greenwich) located at 179 Hamilton Avenue and will officially open for business on Wednesday, December 2 with an open appraisal and consignment day. BRG - Greenwich offers consignors and customers in southwestern Fairfield County and the greater New York metropolitan area alike an additional outlet for consigning and purchasing fine art, estate jewelry, antiques, decorative items, furniture, and more in a conveniently located showroom.   

Managing partner, Christie Spooner, expressed enthusiasm about BRGs expansion and second showroom opening in December. "Black Rock Galleries - Greenwich is another exciting step in the overall amazing growth of BRG.  This additional showroom enables us to better serve the area by offering free appraisal and consignment days, specialty sales previews, and other events and services specifically geared toward the sophisticated Connecticut and New York markets.  Our loyal customers from New York and southwestern Connecticut have been pining for a closer location and this is the ideal time for BRG to expand our service area.  Of course, our 50,000 sq. ft. flagship showroom in Bridgeport will remain as fabulous as ever!"

Black Rock Galleries - Greenwich will be open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for open appraisals and consignments.  Additionally, during BRG's "Greenwich Week," the showroom will be open for auction previews and pick-ups beginning Tuesday, December 8 through Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Other auctions, previews, and specialty sales events will be publicized through BRG's website. Visit www.blackrockgalleries.com for information about their current and upcoming sales, auctions, and events.

About Black Rock Galleries

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new facility with over 50,000 square feet of showroom space and its new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's new online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the support of their clients. BRG's flagship showroom and auction hall is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The new Greenwich showroom is located at 179 Hamilton Avenue, with easy access just over the New York border from I-95 (exit 3) and is open every Wednesday from 10-3 for open appraisals, for special events and offerings, and by private appointment.  Both locations feature a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art and more, making BRG the source for every taste, budget and style. Visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

From Harlem to Cuba & Back Again: BRG's Fall Estates Auction

A wide range of fine art, estate jewelry, antiques & more offered.

Bridgeport, Conn., October 27, 2015 – Harlem's rich historic past meets Cuban art and much more at Black Rock Galleries (BRG) during their Fall Estates Auction taking place on Sunday, November 8 at 1 p.m. E.T.  BRG is pleased to offer this fine collection of art, estate jewelry, antiques, and decorative arts to the highest bidders.  Many of the lots offered in this auction hail from Harlem's historic Watt-Pinkney family including the estate of Beverley Lopez, great nephew of Archibald Watt and renowned artist in his own right.  The Watt family farm and breeding stable was once the largest single property in Harlem and was one of the last to be developed.

Bidders may participate in the auction via LiveAuctioneers.com.  Auction previews will take place at BRG located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, November 5 through Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“With this caliber of never before offered pieces of art held in multi-generational private collections, including Henry Stull equestrian works and Esteban Chartrand paintings, we believe collectors and art enthusiasts will be very excited to bid on these really incredible examples of fine and rare works," explains Grant Panarese, one of BRG's managing partners.  "We anticipate a lot of interest in many of the lots being offered and expect to see some really intense bidding on some of these pieces!"

Auction highlights include:

•  Five magnificent Henry Stull (Canadian, 1851-1913) paintings commissioned by the Watt-Pinkney family who owned much of what is modern day Harlem.  The family bred renowned thoroughbred horses including "Maid of Harlem," one of the featured pieces in the offerings.

•  Three pristine Esteban Chartrand (Cuban/American, 1840-1884) oil on wood paintings depicting Cuban landscapes -- all hailing from the estate of artist and descendant of the Watt-Pinkney family, Beverley Lopez.

•  A detailed pen, ink, and dry brush sketch, "Dun Gone," by Edward Borein (American, 1873-1945) featuring a cowboy on a bucking horse

•  Two impressive Carl Kauba (Austrian, 1865-1992) cast native American bronze sculptures.

•  An amazing oil on canvas, measuring 32" by 39.5" attributable to Wifredo Lam (Cuban, 1902-1982) entitled, "Barcelona Harbor" from a private collection of television producer, Pedro Font.

•  Stunning estate jewelry including a 3.93 carat diamond platinum-set engagement ring, a 2 carat marquis diamond ring, and a gold and diamond bracelet.

•  Two military commission documents:  A Pinkney appointment to First Lieutenant dated 1802, signed by Thomas Jefferson as President and countersigned by Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War and the other an appointment to Colonel for Ninian Pinkney dated 1821, signed by James Monroe as President along with a John Calhoun, Secretary of War countersignature

•  A George III mahogany bookcase owned by John D. Rockefeller, Sr. at his Water Street New York City building and was acquired by the Lopez family around 1911.

•  A pair of Carlyle Hotel conference chairs used by John F. Kennedy on September 24, 1961 during his meeting with disarmament advisors, Arthur Dean, John McCloy, and Secretary of State, Dean Ruck.

•  A rare silk and stump work with oil paint highlights of the Watt-Pinkney Mansion in Harlem circa late 1800s. The Watt-Pinkney family owned much of the land that makes up Harlem.

•  "One piece I'm really excited about is the "Barcelona Harbor," exclaims Panarese.  "Although this piece is unsigned, it's arguably attributable to Wifredo Lam based upon the known provenance and other information provided by the estate.  We anticipate a lot of interest in it and because it's a great piece to place your bet upon!"

About Black Rock Galleries
Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new facility with over 50,000 square feet of showroom space and its new name, Black Rock Galleries. With BRG's new online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the support of their clients. BRG is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Featuring a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art and more, BRG offers something for every taste, budget and style. Visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

BRG Names Bridgeport Rescue Mission Beneficiary
 of 
1920s Private Preview Party & Mini Charity Auction

Selections from the production of Boardwalk Empire & other 
unique items offered in March 7 charity event.

Bridgeport, CT – March 2, 2015 – The 21st century is about to time-warp into the Prohibition Era on Saturday, March 7 at Black Rock Galleries (BRG) during its Boardwalk Empire Private Preview Party and Live Charity Auction benefiting Bridgeport Rescue Mission. BRG is hosting this auction preview party in conjunction with its larger online auction which concludes on March 11. With an expected party attendance of around 150 people, BRG’s invitation only event kicks-off at six p.m. and will take place on the third floor of BRG’s showroom located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT.

BRG's managing directors, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, wanted to give back to the community. So as the plans for a preview party developed over the last two of weeks, adding a charitable component seemed only natural. For BRG’s auction house, what better way is there to achieve this goal than by holding an auction? This charity auction contains an unique grouping of lots including select pieces from the Boardwalk Empire production, a Faberge whiskey decanter set, as well as several specialty services such as a four-hour restoration workshop with Panarese, and an in-home professional appraisal of up to 20 items provided by world-renowned appraiser, Kenneth Jay Linsner.

"Bridgeport is BRG's home and we want to do something meaningful for the community," explains Spooner. "In our quest to find a charity that directly impacts this area, Bridgeport Rescue Mission's name kept coming up so it was an easy choice for us. They provide an invaluable service to people who truly depend on them for survival."

In fact, for over 20 years, Bridgeport Rescue Mission embraced the urban poor and addicted in Fairfield County with the compassion of Christ, offering hope, healing and changing lives. The mission provides safe shelter for men and women, a guest house for women and children, food outreach, education, skills training and so much more.

“We are excited to have been selected as beneficiary in Black Rock Galleries' charity auction and look forward to attending the preview party on March 7th,” states Terry Wilcox, executive director of Bridgeport Rescue Mission. “We are grateful to Grant and Christie for their support of the programs and services we offer to men, women and children from the community who come to the Mission for food, emergency shelter and help in overcoming addiction.”

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new facility with over 50,000 square feet of showroom space and a new moniker, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). With BRG's new online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the support of their clients. BRG is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Featuring a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art and more, BRG offers something for every taste, budget and style. Visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

Two Worlds Collide: Boardwalk Empire Meets BRG on Auction Block

Furniture, sets and props from production of Boardwalk Empire series are available to bidders until March 11.

Bridgeport, CT – February 19, 2015 – The television series production has ended but enthusiasts of television's Boardwalk Empire series have an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of Nucky Thompson's world when Black Rock Galleries (BRG) offers items from the sets and production of the series in its online auction ending on Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. eastern time at blackrockgalleries.com. Auction highlights include the chair and clock from Nucky's office, the Commodore’s alligator and notable signage from the boardwalk. The vast variety of lots hitting the auction block also include Prohibition Era styled liquor crates, carnival game props, decorative items, period garbage pails and even the birthday cake from Nucky's big birthday bash (without the showgirl popping-out of it, of course).

"When the Boardwalk Empire production team approached us, we were astounded at the sheer quantity of items available. It has taken us months to inventory, photograph and prepare these items for our online auction, all while our customers have been anxiously awaiting the date," explains Grant Panarese, managing director and co-owner of BRG. "We're offering this collection through our new online auction platform at blackrockgalleries.com."

In fact, BRG believes the auction's timing is perfect. Between the quantity of items featured and BRG's new online auction, bidding could not be easier for the show's fan base. Bidders simply need to register at blackrockgalleries.com and place their bid(s). Bidders worldwide can have their chance to own a piece of the empire. The auction ends at 7 p.m. eastern time on Wednesday, March 11. However, to ensure that all bidders have a fair chance on any given lot, last minute bids will postpone the closing time for any respective lot by five minutes.

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, integrity and the belief that fine antiques and home decor shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly grew into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services and expert appraisals. By 2012, growth pushed them to a new facility with over 50,000 square feet of showroom space and a new moniker, Black Rock Galleries (BRG). With BRG's new online auction and shopping platform, the business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the support of their clients. BRG is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Featuring a fresh and changing inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art and more, BRG offers something for every taste, budget and style. Visit blackrockgalleries.com or call (203) 335-0000.

# # #

 2014 

First Edition Audubon Books and Impressive American Highlight BRG's Important Spring Antique Auction

Bridgeport, CT: June 8, 2014, Black Rock Galleries will hold its Important Spring Antique Auction featuring American antiques, books and art from the Thomas Mellon Evans estate, an impressive collection of antique Spanish glass from a the G. Maria Jarreau-Heller estate along with an eclectic mix of rare finds and unique pieces that have been privately held for decades.

"We are thrilled to bring such a wonderful collection of items to the auction block. It isn't too often multiple estates of this caliber come along with 'fresh to the market' pieces in this quantity" says Grant Panarese, co-owner of Black Rock Galleries. "As with all the estates we represent, our thoroughness resulted in many surprising finds that we are pleased to offer in this auction".

Books

Highlighting the selection of books in this auction are a first edition of John James Audubon's "Birds of America". The seven volume set was found in the Billy Baldwin Room of the Evan's River House residence nestled amongst other leather bound decorative books of no commercial value.

Furniture

American antique furniture is well represented with a pair of walnut, Queen Anne style Philadelphia chairs, circa 1750 that were found in the basement storage of the River House. An 18th century piecrust tilt top tea table in the Philadelphia style, a Massachusetts mahogany tea table, circa 1760 and a Massachusetts Chippendale candle stand with star inlay, circa 1760 - 1780 are also featured.

A unique American Moorish silvered brass side table, circa 1880 - 1900 has completely puzzled our owners. "The quality of the table is somewhere between Bradley & Hubbard and Caldwell" explains Grant. "We'll leave it up to the bidders".

Glass

The glass featured in this sale is a large group of Spanish glass dating from the 16th through 18th centuries. This collection has been in the Jarreau family for four generations and will be offered in a series of upcoming auctions.

Fine Art

In our recent communication with the Renoir Catalogue Committee at the Wildenstein Institute, we learned they were unable to confirm or deny the authenticity of the "Nature Morte d'Anemones" we have featured in this auction from the Evans estate. "When taking into account the quality and provenance of all the works bought and sold by Mr. Evans, it's a good piece to roll the dice on" says Grant.

Decorative Arts

The decorative arts in this sale feature two Andreas von Zadora sculptures, a three piece assemblage of 19th century carved wood, polychrome and gilt decorated Holy Family Santos figures and an American copper-clad gamecock weathervane, circa 1880 - 1900 that was found tucked in the attic of the Evans' Connecticut residence.

Please call the gallery at (203) 335-0000 or visit the website blackrockgalleries.com for additional information and photos.

With 20 years of experience in the industry and a newly expanded 50,000 square foot auction hall and showroom, Black Rock Galleries is New England's preeminent estate services company. Offering a menu of services including appraisals, auctions and consignment showroom, Black Rock Galleries offers complete solutions for the valuation and disposition of personal property assets with personalized service. Black Rock Galleries is based in Connecticut, one hour north of New York City and is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Auction Information

•  Important Spring Antique Auction: Sunday, June 8 at 12 p.m.

•  Previews: Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. the day of the sale. For appointments please call the gallery.

•  Black Rock Galleries is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. It is easily accessible from I-95, exit 25.

•  Telephone and absentee bids are accepted through Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m.

•  Online bidding is available through liveauctioneers.com and invaluable.com. Please register prior to the day of the auction to assure approval.

# # #

Decorator's Dream Auction: 
For Veteran Designers and Decorators As Well As Amateurs

Bridgeport, CT – March 5, 2014 – It isn't very often that two well-appointed estates come under one roof, but that is exactly what is happening at Black Rock Galleries' auction house located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT on Sunday, March 16, 2014 beginning at 12 noon.  Black Rock Galleries (BRG) is offering 400 lots of barely-used contents from two New Canaan and Greenwich estates in this Decorators' Dream Auction with an estimated retail value of over $1.25 million.

The over 12,000 square foot New Canaan estate features an eclectic collection of furniture, art, and decorative items gathered from worldwide travels.  Likewise, the over 8,000 square foot Greenwich estate features a whole host of classic, "old world" decorative pieces that include English, Continental, and traditional furnishings, beautiful area rugs, art, and collectibles.
"This is our first auction for 2014.  The substantial estates being offered filled two 50-foot tractor trailers," states, Grant Panarese, co-owner of BRG.  "We have really nice decorative and collector pieces that will enhance anyone's personal or professional collection; while fitting all budgets and styles.  You don't want to miss this!"

The Decorator's Dream Auction catalog will be available online at BRG's website -- www.blackrockgalleries.com -- beginning Saturday, March 8 and the auction preview will be held from Friday, March 14 through the morning of the auction.  Bidders need to pre-register before the auction and may participate live, by phone, internet, or via absentee bids. 

With almost 20 years’ experience in the industry and an amazing, newly expanded 53,000 sq. ft. gallery showroom, Black Rock Galleries is the area’s preeminent source for antiques, fine art, home furnishings and decor, estate jewelry, silver and unique accessories.  Co-owners Christie Spooner and Grant Panarese base their business on the belief that your home is your sanctuary; the design journey should be affordable and fun.  BRG specializes in the auction, appraisal and resale (through estate sales and consignment) of these fine items.  Black Rock Galleries is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

# # #

 2013 

Local Estates Head to the Auction Block

Everyone is welcome to attend this unique and fun event!

 

Bridgeport, CT – October 28, 2013 – Passing through the front door to the design center shop, visitors to Black Rock Galleries (BRG) catch a glimpse of the treasures being held for BRG’s November 10th Fall Estates Auction.  With over 1,300 lots, this auction promises to have something for everyone.  Gallery owners, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner have spent the last few months acquiring multiple choice estates from the area and have packed the seemingly endless truckloads into the auction hall to sort, catalog, photograph and stage.  

“Everyone who passes through is curious and excited about the abundance of inventory we have set aside for this auction.  Our customers get a little sneak peek of what’s behind the velvet rope as we work away.  The excitement just builds.” says Panarese with a smile.

The auction boasts many valuable pieces of art (some never before offered) from Claude Pissarro, Frederick Judd Waugh, Howard C. Christy, John Harrison Levee, Mikhail Larionov, and local Westport artist, Bernard Burroughs; a lifetime collection of 18th and 19th century clocks; authenticated Babe Ruth and Andrew Mellon autographs and an expansive single owner collection of wine accessories.  The antiques, furniture and decoration range from the 17th century to mid-20th century hailing from every corner of the globe.  There is a tremendous amount of sterling silver.  In fact over 150 lots will be offered including a George III epergne, Georg Jensen “Blossom” flatware and a 100 piece Grann & Laglyle “Cardinal” service.  There is a substantial amount of Chinese art, furniture and décor; custom furniture from a prominent Greenwich estate and even a meticulously maintained classic 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II.  

All these wonderful items will hit the auction block on Sunday, November 10th in two sessions.  Session I begins at 9:00 a.m. and will feature items under $200 with no reserves.  Session II will begin at 12 p.m. and will feature the bulk of the estates that Black Rock Galleries brought in.  Previews begin on Thursday, November 7th through Friday, November 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Auction catalogs will be available on BRG’s website (www.blackrockgalleries.com) and in the showroom one week prior to 
the auction.

Anyone who asks Panarese will hear him say that auctions are a wonderful venue for finding great one of a kind pieces.  Bidders can get great deals as compared to purchasing them through traditional retail channels.  

“You don’t need past experience to participate in BRG auctions.  We do our best to make them fun and easy for everyone, 
whether they are a newbie or a veteran”, states Christie Spooner. “In addition to live bidding, which is of course the 
most fun, we offer absentee, online and telephone bidding.  This allows everyone to get in on the action!”

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty and fun!  What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly bloomed into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction house, estate sale services and expert appraisals.  By 2012 business growth pushed them to a new facility with over 25,000 square feet of showroom space and a new moniker, Black Rock Galleries.  The business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the wonderful support of their clients.  Black Rock Galleries is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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HGTV’s I Brake for Yard Sales Brakes at Black Rock Galleries


Scenes for New Episode Shot at BRG

 

Bridgeport, CT – October 9, 2013 – Lara Spencer, TV celebrity and host of HGTV’s I Brake for Yard Sales and Flea Market Flip is no stranger to Black Rock Galleries (BRG).  When you combine Lara’s passion for finding one of a kind furniture pieces with BRG’s affordable selection of antiques, vintage and home décor the result is just about perfect.  Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, owners of BRG, strive to make furnishing your home affordable and fun.  It was the perfect place for Lara to find beautiful pieces for her challenging room makeovers.

“Lara has been a long time customer of ours and so it was our pleasure to let her film segments for her new show, I Brake for Yard Sales at BRG,” explains Grant.  “Although the taping took place several months ago, we didn’t know when the segment would air on TV.”  Well, that all changed this past Friday morning, when Lara tweeted to BRG that the episode would air that evening.

“We are delighted and honored that one of our favorite TV decorating personalities enjoys our gallery shop so much that she wanted to tape segments of her show here,” explains co-owner, Christie.  “BRG has a wide variety of styles to fit every budget so it was a natural fit for Lara and I Brake for Yard Sales.”   Check your program guide for additional episodes of HGTV’s I Brake for Yard Sales featuring Black Rock Galleries and Lara’s amazing room makeovers this fall.

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction, and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, and integrity.  What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly bloomed into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction house, estate sale services, and expert appraisals.  By 2012, business growth pushed them to a new facility with over 23,000 square feet of showroom space and a new moniker, Black Rock Galleries.  The business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the wonderful support of their clients.  Black Rock Galleries is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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What Is Your ‘Cash in the Attic’ Worth?


Free Appraisal Day & Exclusive Multi-Estate Super Sale

 

Bridgeport, CT – August 30, 2013 – Perhaps it’s that painting in your foyer that was passed down from your grandmother, a unique trinket in the trunk in your basement, or even a funky vintage chair sitting in your kitchen.  Do you have a ‘hidden-in-plain-sight’ treasure or ‘cash in your attic‘ that you’re in the dark about?  If so, Black Rock Galleries can illuminate you with information about your treasures at its Free Appraisal Day and Exclusive Multi-Estate Super Sale.  This double event takes place on Saturday, September 14 at Black Rock Galleries’ easy-to-navigate, one-stop 23,000+ square foot showroom located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock.  Featuring a fresh inventory of quality furnishings, antiques, fine art, and more, there is something for every taste, budget, and style.  Appraisals run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the multi-estate sale runs until 5 p.m.  Guests are welcome to bring their antiques, art, jewelry, silver, coins, collectibles, and unusual finds for valuation.  Items will be evaluated on a first-come-first-serve basis.

With almost 20 years of industry experience, Black Rock Galleries co-owner, Grant Panarese, along with well-renowned appraiser and conservator, Kenneth Linsner, ASA, AOA, will be available for a day of illumination, honest valuation, and discovery.  Linsner is the director of ASG (Art Services Group), past president of the American Society of Appraisers, and has over 40 years of appraisal experience across the globe.

Black Rock Galleries’ founders, Grant Panarese and Christie Spooner, set out on their own, after almost 20 years in the antiques, auction, and consignment arena, to create a one-stop enterprise based upon knowledge, honesty, and integrity.  What began in 2010 as Bridgeport Salvage Company in the Mill Hill section of Bridgeport quickly bloomed into a unique business offering a consignment shop, full auction and estate sale services, and expert appraisals.  By 2012, business growth pushed them to a new facility with over 23,000 square feet of showroom space and a new moniker, Black Rock Galleries.  The business continues to grow exponentially under the guidance of its founders and the wonderful support of their clients.  Black Rock Galleries is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, with easy access from I-95 (exit 25) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. 
until 5 p.m.

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