Outstanding female Canadian artist captured history
My wife and I have an oil painting signed Juanita Le Barre Symington that came from my parents' house, where it hung over the piano for years. When they purchased it, in 1966, they were members of the Hamilton Art Gallery and it could be borrowed in the same manner as library books, but with the option to purchase, which they did. The title is “Village Green, Topsfield.” It measures 46 by 58 centimetres (18 x 23 inches). We are curious what it might be worth. David, Stratford, ON Symington (1904-1980) came by her artistry naturally, for her mother and first teacher was Charlotte LeBarre, a portrait artist in Hamilton. Symington was later taught by John Gordon and J.R. Seavey, and went on to New York for further training. She was well-established as a professional artist by the 1940s, but lost much of her work in two fires, one in the Hamilton studio where she also taught lessons. Symington was also the youngest president of the Woman’s Art Association of Hamilton, and doubled its membership to 150. She spent many years travelling in New England, and I believe this 350-year-old church stands at Topsfield, Massachusetts. Her work is rare with relatively little having been sold in the open market. This historic picture is worth $450 today.
I bought this lamp about 10 years ago at a silent auction at the Sally Ann for $75. I identified it as a Samuels lamp patented May 30, 1871. It measures 47 centimetre (18.5 inches) to the chimney top. The thumbwheel of the burner says "Crystal Light." I’m wondering if you can tell me anything more about it, such as history and value.
Rick, Stratford
San Francisco’s Marks Samuels came up with the idea of a doughnut-shaped oil reservoir for lamps as a safety feature. The oil was distanced from the vertical oil tube and heat in the "doughnut" — therefore less danger of exploding. Its original burner was made by the Bristol Brass & Clock Company of Connecticut. The patent drawing, showing a shade, poses your next challenge. Very few turn up today but collectors will pay about $450 for this historical piece of oil lamp evolution.
This vase was bought at a church fundraiser several years back for very little. My husband and I have enjoyed it ever since but don’t really know much about it.
It has an overall iridescent sheen to it. There’s a dragon on each side. It is 38 centimetres to the top of the lid (15 inches) and is fully marked “Improved Shape No. 16, Imperial Chinese Dragon Ware, Leighton Pottery.” We’re just curious about its background and value. Nancy, Hamilton
Your stately covered vase was made by Bourne & Leigh at the Leighton Pottery in Burslem England during the 1930s. Leighton began operations in 1892 and ran until 1941, making items like this to satisfy public craving for less costly versions of the Fairyland Lustre porcelain wares produced by Wedgwood. Most Leighton pottery is relatively inexpensive, but the striking Oriental dragon motif on yours creates quite an effect, and is likely one of their higher quality productions. Your find is worth about $250.
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