PHILADELPHIA, PA.- On Wednesday, October 28th, Freeman’s will hold its renowned Pennsylvania Sale. This returning event showcases the development of craftsmanship in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Wharton Esherick furniture from the Hedgerow Theatre Collection will highlight the sale, along with works by George Nakashima and a collection of folk portraits by Joseph Maentel.

THE PENNSYLVANIA SALE: A CELEBRATION OF THE REGION
Launched in 2005 to coincide with Freeman’s bicentennial, the sale is a tribute to Pennsylvania's long-standing legacy as a major and influential artistic region. From the portraits of Thomas Sully to the woodwork of George Nakashima, this year’s sale is once again poised to represent the state’s prolific artists across generations.

Building on Freeman’s long-term success selling items from its native state, The Pennsylvania Sale is a tribute to the entire region—its history, people, and the art and objects they made, used, and cherished.

Connecting works with collectors in Europe and Asia, in addition to the robust American market, Freeman’s has helped build the global art market’s appreciation of Post-War craft and design from Pennsylvania.

THE PENNSYLVANIA SALE’S HISTORY OF SUCCESS
The previous Pennsylvania Sale and the American Furniture, Folk, & Decorative Arts auction held the following day brought in a combined $1.7 million in sales. Bidders around the world competed for some of Pennsylvania's finest 20th-century design, fine silver, furniture, folk art, and early American portraiture.




“We were thrilled with the results for the 20th Century Design section of The Pennsylvania Sale and equally delighted with the results achieved by exceptional examples of Americana," said Vice President of Freeman's, Lynda Cain, at the time.

HIGHLIGHTS: WORKS BY THE “DEAN OF AMERICAN CRAFTSMEN,” WHARTON ESHERICK
As part of this year’s Pennsylvania Sale, Freeman’s will present Wharton Esherick furniture made for the Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most historically significant collections of the artist’s work.

In 1923, Esherick began designing for the Hedgerow Theatre in exchange for his daughter's acting lessons. He built sets, woodblock posters, furniture, and other pieces for the theatre's use. Eventually, its Green Room even became an unofficial gallery for Esherick's work.

FROM PENNSYLVANIA PORTRAITURE TO FEDERAL FURNITURE
The sale will feature a rich selection of works by George Nakashima. Vintage pieces from the 1950s through the 1980s by the famed New Hope, Pennsylvania woodworker will be made available. Joining Nakashima is work by 20th-century designers Phillip Lloyd Powell, Paul Evans, and Samuel Yellin, including pieces from the latter’s estate.

Pennsylvania portraiture ranges from the formal work of Thomas Sully (1763-1872) to five folk portraits by Jacob Maentel (1778-1863). Consignments from three East Coast private collections include a selection of fraktur, redware, Chester County needlework, and an extremely fine polychrome carving of a fantail rooster.

Queen Anne, Chippendale, Federal, and Classical furniture and timepieces from Philadelphia and several counties will also be available. Of special note is a group of Federal furnishings: chairs, pier table, pair of chests, and a secretary bookcase attributed to the workshop of Ephraim Haines (1775-1837) and Henry Connelly (active 1793-1824).