Mexican girl sits well in the art market
Q.
My father bought this painting on a trip to Mexico in the 1960s. I do not know how much he paid for it. It is on canvas and with frame included measures 72.4 x 62.2 cm (28.5 x 24.5 inches). The signature is ‘Gustavo Montoya.’ I was lucky enough to inherit it and hang it in my daughter’s bedroom. I am wondering what its value might be. With thanks, Denise, Cambridge
A.
Born in Mexico City, Montoya (1905-2003) began studying art when he was 14 at the Academia de San Carlos. He continued studies in Paris, France, Italy and England. Teacher, a founding member of the Liga de Escritores y Artistas Revolucionarios and a member of the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana — an institution promoting Mexican contemporary art where members are top Mexican artists — Montoya was an artistic force. He exhibited worldwide including Mexico, Peru, the United States, Belgium and Japan. He also worked as a poster artist in Hollywood. Montoya is best known for these compositions with young Mexican children in traditional garb holding small objects in various poses. His style is distinctive, captivating and very desirable. It is worth $10,000.
Q.
I own this Duncan Phyfetype card table made by F.B.M. Co. Hoboken, N.J. — Ferguson Brothers Manufacturing Company, New Jersey. The company existed from 1898 to 1953. I suspect this was made in the 1920s as it has a brass plate with their name and ‘4470’ on it. The top swivels 90 degrees, which reveals a little storage compartment underneath before it’s unfolded. It’s mahogany with metal claw feet and a double ballast base. Closed it is 91 cm wide and 76 cm high (36 x 30 inches). I am curious to hear what you think it’s worth. Thanks. Tara, Ottawa
A.
Ferguson was actually founded in New York City in 1878 and was a wholesale manufacturer. They relocated to Hoboken at the turn of the century, operated there until 1945, and continued operating in some form until 1953. They made a full line of furniture including cedar chests, fire screens and a variety of tables. Phyfe became well known for this leg type but many other cabinetmakers also used it. American furniture in this style is typical of the American Federal era of 1810 to 1830. In the British Isles, it would be called Regency. The base and acanthus leaf carvings are typical. Often there would be four colonnettes supporting the top. The grain is strong — a type called ‘ribbon’ mahogany. It is high quality with the reeded top edges. I would date it to the 1930s. Games tables are presently reasonable with this one valued at $550. Regardless, it is in top condition and a fine example.
Q.
I was helping a friend renovate a pub he owned in Ottawa and he was throwing out a lot of old pottery. This piece caught my eye and before I’d let him throw it out I thought of your column. The original pub owners were from England and they left it when they sold the pub. On the bottom, it is written ‘Shorter England.’ It’s about 30.5 cm tall (12 inches). Regards, Doug, Ottawa
A.
Shorter & Son began as such in Stoke around 1905. They operated into the 1960s. This prolific pottery produced novelties and utilitarian tableware objects with a vast portfolio of glazes and decoration. Your art pottery rescue vase represents the beginnings of Modernism where designers strove for novel, utilitarian and harmonious qualities. Even though the shape number ‘338’ implies a commercial quality, evident handwork charms with two different applied strap handles and incised fish superimposed on a ringed body — the fish possibly influenced by designer, Mabel Leigh who worked for Shorter in the 1930s. Now safe it stands tall at $90.