James D. Julia Auctioneers is known for many strengths and attractions as well. We are one of the Top Ten auctioneers in North America (measured by annual sales). Our firearms division is world renown and sells more rare, collectible and expensive firearms than any other auctioneer in the world. Our other two divisions: Rare Lamps, Glass and Fine Jewelry and Fine Art, Asian and Antiques produce sales that are anticipated and followed internationally. We are known for bringing fabulous collections that are “fresh” to the market.
Over the past few years however, I’ve noticed that we’ve become the go-to auction house for fine examples of paintings by the Cape Ann School of artists in Massachusetts. Cape Ann refers to a small community north of Boston. This location has inspired many of the leading artists since before the Civil War… over 150 years. Artists like Frederick J. Malhaupt, Stephen Parrish, William Lester Stevens, Aldro Hibbard, Emile and Charles Gruppe have been inspired and captured the essence of this incredible region.
Our division head, Bill Gage, has long been at the forefront of this genre in the auction world. He worked closely with the executors of the estate of John Gale. John was one of the leading collectors of artists from the “Cape Ann” school. The John Gale Sale in 2013 of this material was a tremendous success – generating results far above low estimate. Julia’s unique “0%” seller’s commission program was of great interest to the executors. It gave them the lowest commission rate in the industry, and when combined with our extensive marketing program, the best deal.
As in all cases, we worked closely with the consignor to make the event as seamless as possible. We try to be there to anticipate the owner’s questions and with our attention to detail and targeted marketing reinforce the fact that we are in this sale together—the better our consignors do, the better we do, Our only agenda is to professionally put the right painting in front of the right people, and generate the highest sales for our consignors.
Since that sale, we have very successfully handled several important Massachusetts estates, which have included both paintings and antiques. Most recently we offered a painting by Abbott Fuller Graves. One of his iconic floral “doorway” paintings, the piece had been in the same private New England collection since it was acquired decades ago. In original condition, I can almost imagine how wonderful the painting will look after cleaning.
We invite you to contact us about the appraisal and sale of your fine art and antiques—we are available for home visits, telephone conferences, as well as meetings with us in our offices in Fairfield, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts.