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A resident of the Hudson Valley, Butler was a curator, connoisseur and recognized scholar in the world of antiques, as well as the author of several books on American antiques and collecting. For 38 years, Butler served as the curator of Historic Hudson Valley, the Rockefeller-funded organization that is responsible for the preservation of Sunnyside, Van Cortlandt Manor, Philipsburg Manor, Montgomery Place and Union Church of Pocantico Hills.
As curator, and then curator emeritus, Butler authored several scholarly books about the architectural history of these houses and their collections. During his tenure at HHV, Butler was also the American editor for the magazine The Connoisseur, served as an adjunct associate professor of architecture at Columbia University and was an adjunct associate professor in the graduate division of the Fashion Institute of technology.
"The Collection of Joseph T. Butler" reflects the personal tastes and interests of a curator and professional connoisseur. Seen as a whole, this collection provides insight into Butler’s diverse interests and the breadth of his knowledge in different fields of study. Trained in the American Decorative Arts, the neoclassical furniture, decorative objects and American paintings represent the core of the collection. Butler served on the board for the Prendergast Foundation and was involved in the gift of Prendergast’s collection to Williams College.
The works by Prendergast that Butler acquired through his association with the family were proud favorites and exemplify his collection’s aesthetic in their melding of traditional American decorative taste with Eastern and Design influences. Butler traveled extensively and enjoyed looking for pieces to add to his collection of Asian and ethnographic objects, as well as European architectural artifacts and sculpture. His home was eclectically decorated and showcased the fine examples of his American furniture side by side with Japanese, Indian and African objects that he had amassed over the years.
The proceeds of this sale will benefit the Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial Inc. in Yonkers.
To see some of the collection, click on the attached PDF.
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