This week we’re adding more great writers to 1010ParkPlace, and one of them is my old friend, Nick Dawes, Vice President at Heritage Auctions in New York and former Sotheby’s Vice President and Auctioneer. Many of you will recognize Nick as a regular, expert appraiser for the last 20 years on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow. As much as his busy schedule will allow, Nick is going to offer us suggestions about the best ways to downsize and get rid of some of our treasured possessions.
I’m also hoping Nick will write about collecting antiques and some of the fabulous pieces that have passed through his hands.
Nick Dawes and I met when we were both in our 20s. Even at that young age, he was the world’s foremost authority on old Lalique glass, and worked for a prestigious auction house. I was a Texas Art Deco (European) dealer who acquired pieces for private collectors and sold old Lalique perfume bottles to high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Frost Brothers in San Antonio, which no longer exists. Many of these pieces I bought and sold through Nick. The best part of our association has been getting to know Nick, an Englishman with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and his wonderful wife, a talented, American garden designer.
Over the years Nick has been known to fly to Paris, just for the day, to buy or sell a delicious treasure. He meets amazing people and has seen exquisite things most of us could never imagine. I once suggested Nick should write a book about the kind of people who become collectors and what they collect. By nature, I think most true collectors are a bit eccentric. I wonder what motivates their obsessions, and what lengths they go to add to their collections?
I imagine Nick’s book would be full of interesting tales about buying and selling beautiful treasures at the Paris flea markets, or perhaps meeting swarthy-looking men who unroll Persian rugs, in Moroccan bazaars, to reveal rare bronzes and glassworks. Without betraying client confidences, I’d like to have Nick paint a picture of the homes and the wondrous collections he’s seen.
Since that’s a book he may never write, many of us will welcome Nick’s expert advice about the best ways to dispose of our things as we think about downsizing. As Nick explains in next week’s blog, “a wind of change is blowing more property into action rooms.”
27 thoughts on “Meet Nick Dawes”
Welcome, Nick
Thank you, Irene!
Thanks to all of you for your generous comments. I look forward to posting more. All suggestions welcome! Nick Dawes
I am more and more impressed with who you are adding here, Brenda. Welcome to NIck and I love the Antiques Roadshow! I long to bring a piece of furniture my grandmother “snuck” out of Germany in the 30’s to see of its worth today. Not that I’ve EVER sell it but just out of curiosity. My 88 y/o has it and loves that piece. Anyway, welcome and I look forward to reading what Nick has to say!
Cathy,
Nick will see your comment. Have you ever registered to get tickets to Roadshow? It’s a blast! They start taping the fall season June 18th. I think the closest one to you this summer is in Indianapolis or Virgina. It’s a blast, and a MUST DO!
XOXOX,
Brenda
You are growing the site by leaps and bounds, Brenda. Good for you! And, welcome NIck.
b
Thank you, Mizz Barbara… in your sassy hat! xoxox
xoxo! You have to make it to Cape May! I would love to have you visit.
xoxob
He totally needs to write that book!
Doesn’t he though? xox, Brenda
Nick’s life sounds romantic…the combination of exotic travel, and art. I’m looking forward to more!
Glenda, Nick is a sweetheart and a good, good man! Brenda
Brenda, what wonderful members you’re adding to the cast of writers here at 1010 Park Place!
And a warm welcome, Nick!
Essie xx
Essie, Glad you think so! Nick’s a charmer! xoxo, Brenda
I look forward to Nick’s posts. 1010 Park Place is a wonderful destination!
Thank you, Donna! Let us know what you’d like to see! We’re striving to make it the destination you love to visit. Brenda
What a wonderful addition to your team of writers, Brenda! Welcome to Nick!
Thank you, sweet lady! You’re going to love him! xoxox, Brenda
What a life! (Nick’s AND yours!)
Nick’s the one with the glam life! I stopped by his office a year or so ago, and he had an unframed Grandma Moses on his desk! Can you imagine? xoxo, Brenda
When we lived in upstate New York, we were only a few miles from where she lived and did her painting. Amazing!
Wonderful new addition to your writing team. I am stoked!
Jan,
Oh, Good! I’m glad you think he’s a good addition!
SENDING TONS OF LOVE YOUR DIRECTION!
Brenda
Welcome, Nick! We look forward to your fabulous stories!
Thank you, Jen! xoxox, B
Nick is a terrific person and a most interesting expert in many fields of art and the collecting of art objects. I have heard him speak at several venues including a spellbinding presentation to the International Majolica Society in NYC. He always makes time to speak individually to any participant who desires his attention. Nick is the consummate expert and a gentlemen in every sense of the word. Congratulations on a fine addition and great asset to your cause.
Hi Tim, I totally agree! Nick and I have been friends since we were in our 20’s. He’s all you described and more. Thanks so much for stopping by, Brenda
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