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Norman Rockwell’s drawing ‘The Plumbers’ became the cover of the ‘Saturday Evening Post’ magazine dated June 2, 1951. The drawing measures 39 1/2 inches by 35 1/2 inches. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.

Hood & Sons high on Rockwell drawing that sells Feb. 8

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

Norman Rockwell’s drawing ‘The Plumbers’ became the cover of the ‘Saturday Evening Post’ magazine dated June 2, 1951. The drawing measures 39 1/2 inches by 35 1/2 inches. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Norman Rockwell’s drawing ‘The Plumbers’ became the cover of the ‘Saturday Evening Post’ magazine dated June 2, 1951. The drawing measures 39 1/2 inches by 35 1/2 inches. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – A regional auction house such as Bill Hood & Sons is constantly chugging uphill like “The Little Engine That Could” attempting to compete with the acknowledged giants in the highly competitive auction industry.

However, when Hood’s landed a large Norman Rockwell pencil drawing, measuring 39 1/2 inches by 35 1/2 inches for their auction Tuesday, Feb. 8, it was time to warm up a south Florida winter that has been way too cold for it’s Northern visitors.

LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding at the auction, which will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern.

“Years ago we found our niche in the field of fine arts” Bill Hood said, as proven by a Ronner-Knip selling for $122,000 in May and a P. Cornoyer selling in the same sale for $81,000.

“My son Chris Hood, our art director, handled the procurement of the Rockwell,” Hood added.

Chris Hood followed up by relating, “The Florida family, which has owned the Rockwell for many years was very cooperative in bringing us this barn burner piece of art.”

Carolyn Hood, Bill’s wife and president of this Palm Beach County gallery, commented, “There will be so many people crowding into the gallery to view this American icon artist’s work, we’ll be able to sell tickets, this auction house will be rocking and rolling on Feb 8 at 5 p.m.”

Alex Hood, 23-year-old son and assistant to brother Chris Hood commented, “A major selling point to the Rockwell owners was exposure, exposure, exposure as evidenced by the 700-plus world-wide bidders who registered to compete at our Jan. 4th auction online simultaneously bidding while the auction was in progress.” Alex also noted “when we tell potential sellers our catalog had 105,000 presale hits it answers their questions about exposure.

Bill continued, “The estimate is $35,000-$45,000 and we feel confident those estimates will be blown away in the first minute or so. Lot 110 should garner over 1,000 presale hits and probably around 20 telephone bids.”

Carolyn Hood ended, “The good Lord has blessed us with this opportunity to auction an icon of American history and we feel honored, privileged and very excited to have this opportunity.

For details go to www.hoodauction.com or call 561-278-8996.

 

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

This rare 18th- or 19th-century Chinese porcelain jardinière/vase with gold accents has a repair to the bottom. It is 29 inches high and estimated at $500-$1,000. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
This rare 18th- or 19th-century Chinese porcelain jardinière/vase with gold accents has a repair to the bottom. It is 29 inches high and estimated at $500-$1,000. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Dated 1977, this oil on canvas painting by Orville Bulman (American, 1904-1978) is titled “Paris Espris.’ It carries a $15,000-$25,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Dated 1977, this oil on canvas painting by Orville Bulman (American, 1904-1978) is titled “Paris Espris.’ It carries a $15,000-$25,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Standing 24 inches high, this rare pair of old Chinese red glazed vases/jardinières has a $1,000-$1,500 estimate. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Standing 24 inches high, this rare pair of old Chinese red glazed vases/jardinières has a $1,000-$1,500 estimate. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Famille Rose porcelain plaques highlight this Chinese four-section screen, which extends to nearly six feet wide. With one of the panels damaged, the screen has a $2,000-$4,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.
Famille Rose porcelain plaques highlight this Chinese four-section screen, which extends to nearly six feet wide. With one of the panels damaged, the screen has a $2,000-$4,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Bill Hood & Sons.