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Beth Pook, the longtime gallery exhibition designer for Pook & Pook, Inc., has retired after a distinguished career with the family-owned auction house. Her role was pivotal in creating visually captivating previews for auctions, ensuring that potential buyers could fully appreciate the items on offer. Beth’s journey with Pook & Pook began in 2008, following a 20-year career in marketing with Mars/M&M, where she specialized in chocolate and coffee. Despite her initial lack of expertise in antiques, she embraced the challenge and became an integral part of the family business.
Beth’s responsibilities at Pook & Pook were multifaceted. She was primarily in charge of exhibition displays and auction staffing, overseeing the staging and setup of more than 20 auctions annually, both live and online. She also engaged in phone bidding, developing close relationships with clients worldwide. Her keen sense of the auction dynamic allowed her to guide bidders effectively, often securing coveted lots for them. Additionally, Beth took on the task of cleaning and repairing items, restoring them to their former glory, whether it was a 17th-century European stumpwork casket or a whimsical whirligig.
Her role as exhibition designer involved crafting visually appealing previews that showcased a diverse array of items from various historical periods. With most auctions featuring over 1,000 lots, Beth’s challenge was to create a cohesive and engaging visual experience. She achieved this by composing vignettes that blended different styles and art forms, from Federal and Queen Anne furniture to Early Americana artifacts. Her displays often included a mix of unexpected elements, such as a Weber box paired with a Schimmel sculpture, a chalkware cat, silhouettes, or butter molds, all carefully arranged to captivate viewers.
Beth’s approach to preview design wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was also deeply personal, especially for single-owner estate auctions. She aimed to recreate the atmosphere of the family home, allowing family members to reconnect with cherished mementos during the preview. Her ability to evoke nostalgia and tell the stories behind the objects added a layer of emotional resonance to the auctions.
The technical aspects of her job required a keen eye for detail. Beth considered elements like line, color, shape, and size to create a dynamic visual flow. She often mixed the rich blues of Staffordshire pottery with the gleam of silver or brass, complemented by historic portraits and needlework samplers. When faced with particularly challenging pieces, Beth would step away and return with fresh ideas, often finding success by giving the object its own space and adding complementary elements.
Throughout her tenure, Beth curated numerous memorable previews. One standout was the 2023 auction of Margaret Schiffer’s collection, which featured items of exceptional quality, rarity, and beauty. Beth also relished the surprises that sometimes emerged during the preview process, such as the discovery of hidden compartments, love letters, or even cash tucked away in antique furniture.
Beth’s retirement marks the end of an era for Pook & Pook, where her creativity and dedication left an indelible mark on the auction house’s exhibitions. Her ability to blend artistry with storytelling transformed the preview experience, making each auction not just a sale, but a journey through history. Her contributions will undoubtedly be remembered and appreciated by both the Pook family and the auction house’s clients.
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