Humler & Nolan

During the 1980s, and maybe even earlier, rumors among Rookwood Pottery collectors and fans circulated about the Glover Collection and the man who amassed it. Many had heard of its existence but few had seen it. Talk abounded about the wonderful, exotic examples of Rookwood that were included in that rarified collection. In 1991, Cincinnati Art Galleries purchased the almost 2000 piece Glover Collection. Randy and Michele Sandler, owners of the enterprise, decided that the only way to disperse the fabled collection was by holding an auction. And what a sale it was, the record for the sale price of American Art Pottery at auction was set twice during the three days of the auction. Shiriyamadani Black Iris Vase And so, the auctions continued and records continued to be set: $90,750 for a Rookwood Iris Glaze plaque with ships in 1999, $121,000 for a large Cowan Pottery Jazz Bowl and $350,750 for a Shiriyamadani Black Iris vase with cranes with electroplated silver and copper. And we continued with our two goals: to offer excellent quality pieces and to treat our customers as we want to be treated, honestly, with consideration. Cowan Pottery Jazz Bowl Time moves on and, in the second half of 2009, the Sandlers decided that they wanted to focus on their retail painting gallery. The auction and the Rookwood Pottery Company began discussion of an association. The auction moved into the Rookwood Pottery facility, in the historic Findlay Market district and will hold their first sale as The Auctions at Rookwood in June, 2010. And the tradition of customer service continues also, with Auction Director Riley Humley, Art Glass Manager Karen Singleton, Art Pottery Manager Jim Fleming and Photography and Marketing Co-ordinator Mark Mussio putting together a very impressive array of high quality consignments. Working together, as they have for many years, the erstwhile quartet remains dedicated to producing an auction that will please and delight its longtime collectors and those new to the hobby.