Thomas Schwenke, owner of the newly launched Woodbury Auction LLC, has announced that ex-Sotheby’s auctioneer and antiques expert Sarah Shinn Pratt will call the first sale on Saturday, May 30. Previews begin May 17.
Shinn Pratt’s 25-year career in antiques began at Sotheby’s New York, where she first gained experience in cataloguing and then as auctioneer. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, she earned her MBA at the University of California at Los Angeles. She went on to be appointed Arcade Auction Director at Sotheby’s in 1986 and served in that capacity for eight years.
In 1994, after 12 years with Sotheby’s, Shinn Pratt opened LeBaron Antiques Trading, with locations in both New York and Connecticut. Her knowledge of period furnishings, decorative arts, and fine silver earned her national respect as an expert in her field, and she has appeared as an appraiser on television’s PBS production, The Antiques Roadshow, since 2000.
In 1996, she moved to Woodbury with her husband, the late Wayne Pratt, a renowned American antiques dealer who died in 2007. “With all of its antiques shops and collectors, Woodbury is well known as the antiques capital of Connecticut,” she said. “Our historic district, beautiful old New England homes and fine restaurants already make the town a pleasant touring destination. Having an auction house will add to its attraction as the perfect place for people to visit who are also looking to buy or sell at — or just to experience — an auction.”
Her professionalism and ability add to the growing anticipation for Woodbury Auction’s events. “Being able to draw on the talents of the best in the business will be a huge plus for both consignors and buyers at our sales,” said Thomas Schwenke. “Sarah’s expertise in the industry is nationally respected, and that will be to everyone’s benefit.”
For more information, 203-266-0323, or visit http://www.woodburyauction.com/
Woodbury Auction LLC
CONTACT: Cathy Musich, +1-203-266-0323, or [email protected]
Web site: http://www.woodburyauction.com/
