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September Issue 2005
The Audubon Gallery in Charleston, SC, Celebrates New Home and 2nd Anniversary of Partnership
Charleston, SC, is famous for many things - its delicious low country cuisine, its amazingly well-preserved 18th century architecture, and the city's role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. But, Charleston is also known as the second home of John James Audubon, the famed naturalist who almost single handedly documented the flora and fauna of North America and is best known for his magnificent Birds of America and Quadruped Editions. His love affair with the city began with his first visit in 1831.
Audubon's adoration for Charleston is well documented. According to historians, he loved the people, the architecture, plantations, and was inspired by the amazing bird life. Fifty-five of his 435 paintings were done in Charleston. And, just two paintings from his entire volume of works contain city views - the Longbilled Curlew with the city of Charleston in the background, and the Snowy Heron and White Egret with a view of a Charleston Plantation.
Through the generations, low country residents have reciprocated in their affection for Audubon and have become some of his most passionate collectors. It's not known how many Audubon's adorn the parlors and keeping rooms of Charleston's stately residences, but his popularity has seen resurgence in recent years with originals fetching more than $200,000.
Burton Moore and Joel Oppenheimer, proprietors of The Audubon Gallery, a King Street destination for Audubon collectors, have witnessed this market explosion first hand. With interest at an all-time high, Moore is seeing a new generation of Audubon collectors in the gallery. Whether adding to an existing collection handed down through the family, or starting anew, the gallery attracts Audubon enthusiasts from across the country.
"Between our sister gallery in Chicago, the Joel Oppenheimer Gallery, we have the largest collection of original Audubon's in the world and a remarkable collection of original works from natural history artists including Redouté, Besler and Catesby," said Moore.
On Sept. 23, 2005, Moore and Oppenheimer will
be celebrating the opening of The Audubon Gallery's new home at
190 King Street and the second anniversary of their partnership.
Moore, the naturalist, is an avid "birder," hunter,
and fisherman who grew up in Charleston and whose father made
a name for himself as a sporting artist. Oppenheimer, one of the
foremost Audubon authorities, lectures extensively around the
country and is responsible for assembling one of the largest privately
held natural history art collections
in the world. Together, they share a passion for natural history
art and have dedicated their careers to Audubon.
The gallery is also a sportman's paradise with
a large selection of antique wildfowl decoys, collectibles, nostalgic
paintings, prints of days afield and favorite hunting dogs. They
offer museum-quality framing and conservation services for works
of art on paper to protect and present your most treasured pieces.
For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings,
call the gallery at 843/853-1100 or at (www.audubonart.com).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing
Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc.
Copyright© 2005 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston
Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts
from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts
Online, Copyright© 2005 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved
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