Dallas Auction Gallery Sells the John Lolley Art Glass Collection

On January 30^th, Dallas Auction Gallery (DAG) presented the first of three auctions featuring the art glass collection of the late John W. Lolley of Monroe, La. The collection is being dispersed in three separate sales due to its sheer size. John was a scholar, and one of the best sources of knowledge about art glass.  His collection was one of the largest ever assembled, roughly 20,000 pieces. The New Orleans Museum of Art featured the Lolley collection in 1997 in an exhibit titled “La Belle Epoque.”

Lolley’s love of glass began in the late 1960’s and continued until his death last year at the age of 81. In 2008, he was honored by Art and Antiques Magazine as one of the top 100 collectors in America. He was one of the founding members of the Mount Washington Art Glass Society and served as the president and secretary during his time as a member. 

Lot 240, Mt. Washington Colonial ware Garden of Allah; Sold for $5,938

John’s love of Mt. Washington glass made it the focal point of the first sale.  Many rare and unusual examples were offered, including a three handle Colonial Ware Garden of Allah vase, which sold for $5,938 and was featured on page 95 of Kenneth Wilson’s book, “Mt Washington and Pairpoint Glass, Vol II.”

Lot 259, Mt. Washington Royal Flemish Handled Ewer; Sold for $4,375

There were approximately 10 Royal Flemish items, highlighted by a rare rope twist handle ewer decorated with a medallion of St. George slaying the dragon, which can be found on page 194 of Betty Sisk’s book “Mt. Washington Art Glass.” Despite a crack at the handle, the piece sold for $4,375. Other Flemish items included a Dragon cracker jar at $1,625 and an ovoid vase with rampant lion at $2,000.  John found Mt. Washington glass to be of great importance and, over the years, had many items professionally repaired. These items also commanded acceptable prices, with a Romanesque two handle coin vase at $1,188, a covered jar with crown finial at $2,625, and a two-handle squat vase at $1,188.

Burmese was also well represented with an Oliver Goldsmith verse water pitcher selling for $2,250 and a cylindrical Flying Cane vase at $3,125. A Colonial Ware portrait ewer sold for a respectable $1,375, and a Crown Milano “Garden of Allah” cracker jar could be bought for $1,500.

The Lolley Collection spans the history of glass from the Victorian Mt. Washington to Art Nouveau Tiffany and includes contemporary artists, such as Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra.  The scope of the collection is a must see for any glass collector. If you missed the first sale, set your calendar for the second installment of the Lolley Collection to be offered by Dallas Auction Gallery on March 27th of this year, with a third auction scheduled for the 8thof May.

DAG’s auction presented more than just the first offering of the Lolley collection. 

Lot 340, Chinese Qing Yong Zheng Imperial Blue & White Plate; Sold for $53,125

A Chinese Qing Yong Zheng imperial blue and white plate with a scrolling lotus design and six-character mark of the period hammered for $42,500, a Galanos sable full-length coat at $40,000, pair of Chinese Republic famille rose porcelain vases depicting figures in landscapes at $21,000, a Steinway grand piano Model M for $11,000, a Chinese Ming lacquered bronze Buddha at $11,000, a Ming bodhisattva for $10,000, a pair of Qing carved jadeite vases for $7,000, and a Qing carved jade inlaid ruyi scepter for $6,000.

The next two auctions will be March 27th and May 8th.