Houston Rug Specialist Joins Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers

February 2010 – Houston, Texas – Luis Arce, an expert in the international rug industry, has joined Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers as Director of the Fine Rugs Department.

He will make his debut at auction on Thursday, February 4th, when Morton Kuehnert auctions a collection of vintage rugs from Persia Mahal, Heriz, Esfahan, Kashmar and Tabriz;, Pakistani Baukhara, Kazak and Azari, also Indian Sumak, Jaipur and Kashmir, to name a few.

Luis’ customers include collectors and interior designers in the United States, Mexico and South America whom he has worked with for the past 25 years at Parvizian & Sons Oriental Rugs. He has a network of providers from India, Pakistan, and other galleries throughout the world.

“The greatest rugs in the world are like fine art,” says Arce. “They have superb quality, designs and color combinations and most importantly they are available. We just have to find them.” The mid to late 19th century was the heyday of the rugs from Persia, India and Turkey. Today we can also find great new pieces with excellent workmanship, good design and great color combinations. “In addition to the elite clientèle which I have had the privilege of serving through the years, there are a growing number of young professionals who look for quality,” Luis says.

“There is great interest in finding one-of-a-kind, rare and well-made rugs,” he says, “and Morton Kuehnert has made a commitment to find those rugs and bring them to auction.” Luis encourages collectors to carefully maintain their rugs so that the value increases. He suggests that owners avoid problems with the binding, direct sunlight, foot traffic and heavy objects. “It’s beautiful to use your rugs, but keep an eye on them,” he adds.

Luis is originally from El Salvador and he and his wife and four children live in Houston.

Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers Names New CFO/HR Director

February 2010 – Houston, Texas – Michele Fregia, a Houston financial services professional, has been named CFO/HR Director of Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers. For the past 15 years she has worked in the banking industry, with the last nine as a Systems Manager with Amegy Bank N.A.

“Morton Kuehnert is a business that must be run by the numbers”, says Michele. “The success of our Thursday night auctions depends on accurate financial reports to immediately complete the transaction for the buyers and our consignors. It also helps us analyze the marketplace on a week-to-week basis,” she says.

Antiques and other collectibles are commodities and Morton Kuehnert keeps a watchful eye on the marketplace for forecasting and budgeting. “The market is our indicator that we use to estimate a price range for our consignors’ goods,” says Michele. “Also, it gives our bidders a reasonable idea of consumer behavior and what it will cost them to participate in the bidding action,” she adds.

Michele has a degree in Economics from the University of Houston, with a minor in Spanish.

Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers Offering Complimentary Informal Appraisals Saturday Sept. 12 from 10 am until 2 pm

Houston, Texas – August 25, 2009 – An Appraisal Day will be held Saturday September 12, 2009 between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm at Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers 2801 W Sam Houston Parkway N Houston, TX, 77043. Complimentary (free) informal appraisals of art, antiques, jewelry, silver and decorative objects will be offered. The event is open to the public.

“Houstonians are intrigued by the prospect of discovering something of great value amongst their personal possessions,” said Luis C. Lopez-Morton, chairman and managing director of Morton Kuehnert. “We want to provide them with an occasion on which to have their items evaluated and appraised,” he added.

Possible items for appraisal include: antique furniture and collectibles, china, crystal, silver, paintings, books, jewelry, furs and historical artifacts. “Many of us have family heirlooms stored in our attics that we keep meaning to find out more about,” said Associate Director Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy. “This free appraisal day is a great opportunity for people to access information about their belongings and make informed decisions about whether to keep them, or sell them at auction,” she added.

Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers Moving to Houston’s Galleria Area

Houston, Texas – August 18, 2009 – Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers will begin the 2010 New Year in a state-of-the-art 24,000 square foot stand-alone building near the Galleria.

The antiques, fine art, jewelry, silver, and decorative arts auction house has leased the property at 4901 Richmond Avenue; the current site of Parvizian Signature Rugs. During the remodeling phase Morton Kuehnert will continue to host their Thursday night auctions through mid-December at the current location at 2801 W. Sam Houston Parkway N.

“This move is an indication of the confidence we have in the global economy and in the Houston marketplace,” said Luis C. Lopez-Morton, chairman and managing director. “We are also responding to our clientèle who have encouraged us to move to a location that is convenient for consignors and buyers alike,” he added.

Morton partnered with Kuehnert's Auction Gallery, Inc. in 2008 becoming Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers. Luis Lopez-Morton owns Galerias Louis C. Morton in Mexico.

Associate Director Patricia-Kuehnert Gillespy, who opened Kuehnert’s in 1988, sees the move as an opportunity to continue to build the Morton Kuehnert brand in an area of Houston that is frequented by international shoppers as well as Morton Kuehnert’s target market.

“We will continue to build upon our reputation for having integrity and for providing exceptional value and service to our loyal clientèle,” said Kuehnert-Gillespy, “and at the same time, introduce Morton Kuehnert to new collectors and buyers. We believe we are the best medium to bring them together and our new location, the best setting,” she added.

The auction house will include a showroom, a photography studio, climate-controlled storage, and a private appraisal room. Appraisers will inspect, evaluate, and research valuable consignment items. “This will allow us to provide our estate consignors with the promotional strategies needed to reach the best buyers for their collections,” said Morton.

Valet parking will be available on auction nights.

For more information, please contact Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy at 713-827-7835 or Luis C. Lopez-Morton at (52) 55.55.20.50.05

Morton Kuehnert June 18th Auction Features Eclectic Paintings and Designer Jewelry

Houston, Texas - June 18, 2009 -- “The Prodigal Son”, a stunning 10 foot tall Renaissance-style painting which hung in a Pennsylvania church, is in the eclectic group of paintings on the Morton Kuehnert auction block June 18th.

Paintings that appeal to collectors, such as “Odalisque in Waiting”, painted by 19th century Spanish artist Luis Ricardo Falero and “Pitcher Nolan Ryan” by Leroy Neiman, are some of the interesting pieces to be auctioned, along with designer jewelry, antique furniture and decorative objects, many from Houston estates.

The auction will be at the Morton Kuehnert auction house at 2801 W Sam Houston Parkway N, as well as on-line through www.Artfact.com.

“Smart shoppers will find some unusual treasures during this auction,” said Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy, associate director of Morton Kuehnert, “and we invite those in proximity to Houston to come to the gallery to view them.” National and international buyers may go to www.mortonkuehnert.com.

Ladies jewelry designed by David Yurman, David Webb, Tiffany and Hammerman Brothers are available, as well as French antiques and collectibles and rare Texas historic documents.

“Now is a great time to buy at auction because individuals are releasing interesting pieces from their family collections,” said Luis C. López-Morton, chairman and managing director. “We want everyone to know that we can help families sell their treasures to a discerning clientele that appreciates these pieces.”

Morton Kuehnert Spring Auction Event - Rich with History of America and Europe

Houston, Texas - May 2009 -- The provenances listed with the items in the Morton Kuehnert April 23 auction catalog read like a rich history lesson, giving auction-goers a peek at the lifestyles of 18th and 19th century families.

“We were very pleased at the attention this estate auction garnered,” said Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy, associate director of Morton Kuehnert. “It reminds us there will always be those who are passionate about fine antiques and collectibles and make it their business to seize the opportunity when these pieces are in the market place,” she added. Nearly 300 guests attended the auction, along with on-line and phone bidders from around the world.

The majority of the nearly 350 auction items featured 18th and 19th century furniture, decorative arts, china, silver and paintings from the Jesse S. Charlton Estate of Houston, Texas. “We are honored that the Charlton family entrusted us with the sale of their estate,” said Luis C. Lopez-Morton, chairman and managing director of Morton Kuehnert. “We promised Mrs. Charlton that the pieces would be sold to collectors who appreciate fine antiques and decorative arts, and we were able to honor that commitment,” he added.

Some of the highlights of the auction included:

■ An 1800 (circa) card table once brokered by the famous antique dynasty of Ginsburg & Levy, and purchased in 1985 at Christie’s by the Charlton family, sold at auction for $14,950.

■ An oil painting by 18th Century Venetian view painter Michele Marieschi Capriccio sold for $11,500.

■ An American Southern portrait of 6-year-old Louisianan Victor Adena (circa 1854) sold for $6,037.

■ A 1785 (circa) George III Mahogany Tall Case Clock Case bought by the Charltons in Aberdeen, Scotland, sold for $2,688.

■ A pair of silverplated Georgian wine bottle coasters sold for $1,495 and a pair of Continental Silver and etched crystal clarets, circa late 19th century, sold for $2,760.

Every Thursday evening Morton Kuehnert auctions European and American antiques, collectibles, and estate consignments at its 20,000 square foot gallery showroom in Houston, Texas.

The Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Charlton
18th & l9th Century American & European Furniture, Art, Silver, and Decorative Objects

Sneak Preview featuring guest speaker, noted decorative and fine arts lecturer, Barry Greenlaw at 7 pm Monday April 20, 2009

Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers is holding a special auction at 7 pm Thursday April 23, 2009 featuring more than 200 pieces of fine late eighteenth century and nineteenth century American furniture, decorative arts, china, silver and paintings. The auction is open to the public.

A sneak preview featuring Barry Greenlaw, a noted consultant, appraiser and lecturer specializing in the decorative and fine arts of America and England, will be held at 7 pm Monday April 20.  The event is free and open to the public.

The collection is from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse S. Charlton, lifetime collectors of fine American and European treasures. Online bidding will be available that evening through Art Fact, as well as phone bidding at 713-827-7835.

“The Charlton estate represents the family’s passion for America’s original cabinet makers and silversmiths, as well as European artisans and clock makers,” said Patricia Kuehnert Gillespy, manager of Morton Kuehnert. “We are delighted to bring this collection to our clientele,” she added.

Greenlaw is the former Curator of the Bayou Bend Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, as well as Curator of Furniture and Assistant Director of Collections at Colonial Williamsburg. He is the author of, New England Furniture at Williamsburg.

“Barry Greenlaw has a wealth of knowledge on English and American decorative and fine arts and he loves to share his passion with others,” said Luis Lopez-Morton, owner of Morton Kuehnert. “He has lectured across the United States and has taught at several educational institutions, including the University of Texas in Austin, and was a dealer in antique maps and prints. We are so pleased he will be joining us to enrich our experience,” he added.

Some of the more outstanding pieces to be auctioned include: an American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bowfront Sideboard circa 1780-1810, a George III Figured Mahogany Tall case Clock circa 1785 face signed William Dobbie, Falkirk, an American Federal inlaid Mahogany and Birch veneer fold-over serpentine front games table circa 1800-1815, a Dutch Marquetry Inlaid Walnut single door vitrine three-drawer Bombe chest circa mid-1800’s, a Country French Louis XV style two door two drawer buffet with vaiseleir top circa 1780, an American cherry Nine Drawer Tall Chest circa mid 1800’s, a Chippendale Carved Walnut FourDrawer Chest with fluted quarter columns Philadelphia, circa 1750-1780 (from the estate of Mrs. Henry Ford purchased at Parke-Bernet Galleries, a pair of Meissen Porcelain Cockatoos rust-colored head feathers roosting on tree stumps, a pair of Meissen Porcelain plates gilded Blue Onion pattern, a pair of Continental Sterling Silver and hand-acid etched Crystal Clarets, 19th Century American, English, and Italian paintings, and a Collection of blue Staffordshire pottery (American interest).

For more information about the auction or phone bidding please call 713-827-7835

Keno Brothers Visit With Fans and Auction Items at Morton Kuehnert

Proceeds benefited The Heritage Society 

            Houston Texas – February 18, 2009 – Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno, the superstar twins known for their love of Americana antiques, recently (February 12, 2009) auctioned three items at Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers to benefit The Heritage Society www.heritagesociety.org .

            The items from the Society’s archives included a painting by Texas artist Chester Dixon Snowden, entitled “Old Maid”, a John J. Audubon engraving of the Traills Fly-catcher, and a four-post carved mahogany bed. 

            Prior to the auction the Keno brothers attended a reception at the auction house with Morton Kuehnert clientele and members of the Heritage Society.  “Leigh and Leslie are important spokesmen for the antique, art and collectibles world,” said Luis C. Lopez-Morton, owner of Morton Kuehnert. “We respect their knowledge and insight and their interest in preserving our national treasures,” he added.

            Earlier that day at the Heritage Society luncheon fundraiser, the brothers who became famous as appraisers on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow”, shared their video tour of the White House with former First Lady Laura Bush and shared their adventures researching an 18th century American desk that had made its way to Paris many years ago. 

Meet & Greet with the Keno Brothers February 12, 2009

            Houston, Texas – February 12, 2009 – Antique experts and twin brothers Leigh and Leslie Keno, in Houston for the 2009 Houston Heritage Luncheon, will be featured during a Meet & Greet at Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers and Appraisers Thursday February 12, 2009 at 6 p.m..  The event is free and open to the public, (No appraisals please. Guests are asked not to bring items to the auction house for appraisal).  The auction gallery is located at 2801 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston 77043

            The Keno Brothers have had a passion for American antiques since childhood and are public television celebrities on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow” and “Find!”.  They are also the book authors of “Hidden Treasures:  Searching for Masterpieces of American Furniture.” 

            “The Heritage Society and Morton Kuehnert are partnering on the Keno Brothers’ visit,” said Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy, managing director of Morton Kuehnert. “We are delighted they will appear at Morton Kuehnert for their Texas fans to have an opportunity to visit with them,” she added.  Luis Morton, owner of Morton Kuehnert concurs.  “We have the utmost respect for Leigh and Leslie,” he says. “Their knowledge of American antiques is of significant importance in the entire field and this passion has contributed to a great love for antiques around the world.”

            Tickets for the 2009 Houston Heritage Luncheon on Feb. 12, presented by The Heritage Society, can be purchased at www.heritagesociety.org.  

            For more information please call 713-827-7835. Morton Kuehnert is located at 2801 W. Sam Houston Parkway N, Houston 77043 ( just North of I-10 West and Beltway 8 between Kempwood and Hammerly). We invite you to join us every Thursday night as we auction fine quality antique, estate, traditional and contemporary; home furnishings, art, rugs, lighting, jewelry, porcelain, silver, garden accessories and architectural elements. 

More about the Keno Brothers

            Having been interested in beautiful and rare Americana for more than thirty years, the twin brothers are considered two of the foremost experts on antiques.  As appraisers on the PBS Emmy nominated hit, Antiques Roadshow, they have become celebrities beyond the refined world of art and Americana.  Approximately 12 million viewers watch the program weekly.

Both Leigh and Leslie lecture extensively across the country.  Their energy and enthusiasm win over every audience in an enlightening, engaging presentation filled with amusing discovery anecdotes and tips on finding antique treasures.

Leigh Keno currently owns and operates Leigh Keno in New York City.  He formerly held the position of Vice President in the appraisal department at Christie's.  Leigh has written articles for Art and Antiques, Antiques Magazine, and has co-authored two groundbreaking articles on Boston seating furniture for the Journal of American Furniture.

Leslie Keno is Senior Vice President and Senior Specialist of American Furniture and Decorative Arts at Sotheby's in New York.  He has been published in the American Ceramic Circle and has contributed to the Sotheby's Guide to American Furniture and Sotheby's Encyclopedia of Furniture.
The Keno brothers also authored Hidden Treasures: Searching for Masterpieces of American Furniture.  Beginning in 2001, they wrote monthly furniture and design columns for House Beautiful and This Old House magazines and are currently Editors at Large for Traditional Home magazine for which they write a monthly column.  They both enjoy fly-fishing and racing vintage racecars.

Morton Kuehnert Presents Its First Auction January 8, 2009

New Houston Auction Company Combines Two Leading Auction Houses from Two Countries 

            Houston, Texas – January 8, 2009 -- Luis C. Lopez-Morton, owner of Louis C. Morton (auction houses) in Mexico, went shopping in Houston last year.  But he wasn’t shopping for antiques, art, fine wines, or collectibles to auction—he was shopping for a successful Houston auction house.  He found what he was looking for.

            Now, meet Morton Kuehnert, an auction house with global reach and H-Town friendliness.   In December 2008, after much research and deliberation, Morton became the major stockholder in Kuehnert’s Auction Gallery, a successful business owned by Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy, which has been bringing quality goods to Houstonians for the past 20 years. Kuehnert-Gillespy will remain at the helm as manager of the new entity.

            Serendipitously, Morton and Gillespy both knew the Houston market was a sophisticated area yearning for high-end auctions--without traveling to New York, Paris, or London.  “We are pleased to raise the bar on the auction business in Houston with our relationship with Kuehnert’s,” said Morton.  “By combining our international sources and contacts with Kuehnert’s solid reputation for quality and integrity, we will provide unique auction items and expertise in appraisals and estate liquidation that other major markets around the world currently enjoy,” he added. 

            Morton Kuehnert will widen its appeal to antique lovers, modern and contemporary art collectors, oenophiles, collectors of jewelry, time pieces, porcelain, glass and decorative pieces.  The auction house is planning several special auctions in 2009 that offer great art, wine, antiques and other hard-to-find treasures.  The weekly Thursday night auctions will continue, and Morton Kuehnert’s debut for special auction events is Thursday, February 26.

            “Luis C. Lopez-Morton is providing the acumen and resources to Kuehnert that we were ready for,” said Kuehnert-Gillespy.  “Now I have the opportunity to see our dreams come true of providing our clientele with a larger array of unique, interesting items,” she said.  She added that Houston families also want an auction house with which they can entrust their lifelong possessions. “We have strengthened and enlarged our Appraisal Department and increased our personal services in order to meet the needs of these families,” Gillespy said.

            When Morton and Kuehnert-Gillespy started comparing notes twelve months ago, they realized they both started their companies 20 years ago--actually just a few days apart--hold auctions weekly, and have a passion for excellence and integrity in service. Also, their regular clientele includes antique dealers, interior designers, pickers and collectors. Both parties agree that the creation of Morton Kuehnert is perfectly timed for the Houston of 2009 and beyond.

            For more information, contact Patricia Kuehnert-Gillespy at 713-827-7835 or Luis C. Lopez-Morton at (52) 55.55.20.50.05

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