Meet Nicholas Lowry
Nicholas D. Lowry is the third generation owner, and president of Swann Auction Galleries. The auction house is currently celebrating its 70th Anniversary as a family-owned business. Nicholas was born into a family of antiquarian book dealers in New York City, where he was raised and educated. When I met him last week, I was struck by his mere appearance, his gallant personality, fashion sense (he was wearing his signature plaid suit), and friendliness. Not only is he the principal auctioneer and director of the Poster Department, he is also an avid poster collector himself.
High End Weekly™: Talk to us a little bit about the upcoming sale of the Complete Poster Works of Robert Broders at Swann Galleries this coming Thursday, at 10AM?
Nicholas Lowry: The entire collection came from the archives of a single collector. Roger Broders was best remembered for the advertising work he did between 1920 and 1933 for the French Railroad company. One of the things that is uncommonly known about him is that after 1935, he completely stopped working, and no one knows why. This particular auction presents all of his travel posters, including variants, some which are known and several that are unknown. Most of the Art Deco posters are in superb conditions. While working on this project, many of our staff commented on the fact that they looked like they’ve just been printed. The colors are so vivid, and the look is so modern.
HEW: Just what did it mean to you to be entrusted with this unique, unparalleled sale?
NL: It certainly was a great honor, but the honor was eclipsed by the opportunity. We’ve worked on this project for the past three to four months, and realized that the chronological order of the dates, and his artistic talent progressed throughout the years. Between the year 1927 – 1929, he polished his immaculate ability to create some of the most memorable Art Deco posters. Roger’s work displayed an energy at constructing incredible depth of field. He skillfully used layers after layers of bold, and colorful images which were beautifully conceived.
HEW: In your opinion, what is the most note-worthy piece from the Robert Broders Collection?
NL: Lot Number 87 (Monte Carlo Country Club) comes to mind because visually, it is simply stunning. It is immaculate, and the image is one of pure confidence. It is expected to fetch somewhere between $15,000 – $20,000. Dunkerque, lot number 59, is one of his oeuvre de triomphe. The image projects a sophisticated couple arriving the busy port of Dunkirk on their yacht. The poster creates a refined mood of elegance and ease.
HEW: How big of a factor to your auction business are vintage posters?
NL: Posters are so visual, and they carry allot of weight. That produces a huge impact to our buyers.
HEW: What are some of the strongest areas of the market for Art Deco and why are they in such high demmand these days?
NL: Art Deco is king. Everything in art has a cycle. Right now, Art Deco is Up, and Art Nouveau is Down. As the younger generation gets older, their interests go towards design. Good design, that is.
HEW: I read somewhere that you yourself is an Art Deco collector. When did this start for you, and what was it with?
NL: Not only do I collect Art Deco posters, I also have a huge collection of Czech posters, and books. It began with a Gustav Klimt poster I brought in Austria when I was a young adult, but it really started way before that.
HEW: On a personal collecting level, what is the one item you have parted with over the past that you wished you still had?
NL: Very little. I tend to keep all of my collections.
HEW: What are three things that you consider the strenghts of the auction industry today?
NL: Exceptional variety. Auction houses have a greater, more powerful reach to the general public. More powerful than dealers, and they’re armed with a huge mailing lists. It carries thousands and thousands of items for sale, each year. The variety that auction houses offer the public is simply unparalleled. A good auction house should also be able to offer phenomenal pieces to their buyers, and serious collectors. Basic transparency in prices should be at play. When an item is presented as rare, it’s a great mental challenge to perceive value.
HEW: Lastly: Complete this sentence/thought. If I was just starting to collect Art Deco, I would recommend…
NL: Besides visiting auction houses, start attending shows, galleries. Expose yourself to the art world. Get out there, and experience it with your eyes, and hands. Read art-related books and articles. It’s a mistake to buy the first thing that you see. Look around a bit more, do the research. And last but not least, buy at reputable places.
