Wheatcroft Book Extols American Folk Art Masterpieces

The Authentic Eye: Revisiting Folk Art Masterworks, by David Wheatcroft, published by David Wheatcroft Antiques, 26 West Main Street, Westborough MA 01581; www.davidwheatcroft.com, 508-366-1723; 98 pages, $50 softbound.

Amidst the few printed words in his recently published book, Americana dealer David Wheatcroft proclaims: "It has been my good fortune to have handled some extraordinary pieces of American Folk Art over the past 25 years." For those that have either visited the author's gallery or seen him on the show circuit, that might easily be construed as an understatement.

The release of this book not only celebrates many of Wheatcroft's successes over the past 26 years, it also generates good fortune for every lover of Americana as the dealer has opted to share some of these treasures with the world. All of these wonderful pieces, 68 in all, were at one time part of Wheatcroft's inventory, all sold long ago to private collectors and now locked away behind closed doors.

No matter your fancy within the broad scope defined by the term Americana, the turning of each page brings an oohhh and an aahhh. One after another, each iconic example of the exemplarily country wares, art and oddities outdoes the last. Determining a favorite from within these pages quickly becomes a difficult choice.

Carvings in stone and wood; paintings on canvas, paper and panel; redware and stoneware; Pennsylvania furnishings; textiles; and a variety of personalized effects are brought to the viewer via 95 lavish color illustrations.

Works with signatures of and attributions to the likes of James Bard, Ammi Phillips, Mr Wilson, Joseph Davis and Jacob Maentel are present. So are creations by the hands of William Edmondson, Solomon Bell, Henry Remmey and Wilhelm Schimmel. The masterful execution of the Daniel Eisz dower chest and the "superior turnings and pleasing proportions" of the Philadelphia low back Windsor establish a high-water mark for country American furnishings.

Unencumbered by text and accompanied only by a brief caption, each image is put forth in a manner that allows it to stand on its own merits. Closeup photographs often point to the finer attributes.

In index form, among the final pages, all of the items are described in detail with the author's thorough research revealed and its provenance listed.

Each of the items featured within this book was produced in its day to please the eye of everyone that came in contact with it and also, ultimately, the owner. Thanks to the eye and efforts of David Wheatcroft, these prime examples of Americana can continue to please, and also educate, not only the current owners, but the entire folk art collecting community.

-DSS