2021 in Review: A Letter from the Director
On behalf of the Selkirk team, we would like to extend our gratitude for your part in a successful and exciting 2021. Since 1830, Selkirk has held precedence both in the region of St. Louis and the auction world. This is a legacy we take immense pride in continuing and driving to greater heights in the years to come. We could not do it without you.
As some of you may know, the culmination of 2021 marks the second full year of a fresh chapter in Selkirk’s legacy under new and passionate ownership. It is under this reinvigorated leadership Selkirk has introduced thoughtfully curated sales and expanded our impact on the international market. We have implemented better ways to communicate with our buyers and increased exposure for our sellers through additional platforms.
With the close of 2020, Selkirk had already begun paving its way with an auction record achieved for a work by Fred Greene Carpenter. Following suit, the beginning of 2021 ushered in a valuable re-discovery in the art world – Popocatepetl by Marsden Hartley. The sale execution and offering of this American Modern Art masterpiece is a personal honor and an inspiring accomplishment for our team. From the abstract expressionism of painter Paul Emile-Borduas, to the iconic ceramics of Picasso, to the works of regional sculptor Ernest Tino Trova,
Selkirk has embraced the opportunity to represent masters in the modern art world during our Modernism & Contemporary auctions, making these events a fast favorite.
It was September when Selkirk achieved a new milestone by shining light on an anthropological gem that had long been kept in the dark. Picture Cave, a two-cave system of ancient polychrome wall paintings enveloped in Warren County, Missouri, brought Selkirk to the forefront of international media attention and sparked commotion in the art world. On September 14th, Selkirk offered Picture Cave, not as real estate, but as the irreplaceable art and cultural treasure it is. Picture Cave sold for the realized price of $2.2M USD and will be preserved in perpetuity.
Selkirk’s devotion to quality art and object has compelled an initiative to highlight increasingly rare and intriguing period items within our popular Gallery Auctions. Meticulous single-owner collections have inspired new sale formats geared towards the devoted collector. A coveted dollhouse miniatures collection generated large results to kick off the autumn season. October followed with an internationally recognized sale exclusively featuring Chinese snuff bottles. Though each lot was under 3 inches in height, several reached $3,000 in realized value.
Our 4th annual Historic St. Louis auction will bring a roaring 2021 to a close this December 11th. We approach 2022 with fervent ambition and welcome you and yours to visit our downtown St. Louis gallery.
Whether you have bid with us, consigned with us, or otherwise lent us your support, it is through you our continued mission is being met; raising industry standards through the aspirational powers of art.
Thank you.