When a collector dies, his or her collection dies too. A fine collection is greater than the sum of its parts, so it always tears at my heart when a carefully assembled collection dies its own death, and its figures must move to new homes.
Herbert and Nancy Hunt were legendary Texans, renowned for Herbert's accomplished career in the global oil industry as well as their joint civic and philanthropic largesse. Their collection, assembled over fifty years, is catalogued in my book Holding the Past. Sadly, recently both Herbert and Nancy have passed away,
The Hunt Collection is known for having no less than eight menageries, but to my mind its most impressive feature is the manner in which it was assembled. Nancy and Herbert had very different criteria for assessing potential acquisitions. Nancy often disliked a figure that Herbert found fascinating, and Herbert frequently had little interest in a figure Nancy considered charming, but there were no disagreements or reluctant approvals. If a figure pleased one of them, that was enough. Their collection reflected the unwavering support and deep affection that were keys to their seventy-two years of marriage. It was a tribute to their love.
Nancy and Herbert shared their hobby with a quiet passion, not driven by the need for recognition or status. Step by step, they built an unrivaled private collection. I was honored to share their collection with them, but, above all, I was privileged to know these two unassuming, considerate, and generous collectors. I lack words to adequately reflect my love and admiration. Their daughters, who now own the Hunt Collection, are thoughtfully and responsibly seeking new owners for many of the treasures their parents so carefully acquired. Some are already in appreciative new homes, with many more to follow.
Herbert and Nancy Hunt were legendary Texans, renowned for Herbert's accomplished career in the global oil industry as well as their joint civic and philanthropic largesse. Their collection, assembled over fifty years, is catalogued in my book Holding the Past. Sadly, recently both Herbert and Nancy have passed away,
The Hunt Collection is known for having no less than eight menageries, but to my mind its most impressive feature is the manner in which it was assembled. Nancy and Herbert had very different criteria for assessing potential acquisitions. Nancy often disliked a figure that Herbert found fascinating, and Herbert frequently had little interest in a figure Nancy considered charming, but there were no disagreements or reluctant approvals. If a figure pleased one of them, that was enough. Their collection reflected the unwavering support and deep affection that were keys to their seventy-two years of marriage. It was a tribute to their love.
Nancy and Herbert shared their hobby with a quiet passion, not driven by the need for recognition or status. Step by step, they built an unrivaled private collection. I was honored to share their collection with them, but, above all, I was privileged to know these two unassuming, considerate, and generous collectors. I lack words to adequately reflect my love and admiration. Their daughters, who now own the Hunt Collection, are thoughtfully and responsibly seeking new owners for many of the treasures their parents so carefully acquired. Some are already in appreciative new homes, with many more to follow.
