By Jamie Larson
Ever wonder what a Rolling Stone does gather? The answer, it turns out, is a whole lot of fine, high-style, Victorian antiques. Legendary Stones guitarist Keith Richards and wife Patti Hansen are auctioning off a huge collection of elegant antiques at Hudson’s own Stair Galleries on Saturday, June 24, and all the pieces are now on display for perusal.
“As all of us grew up listening to The Rolling Stones,” said the Stair in Stair Galleries, Colin Stair. “We are thrilled to have Keith and Patti Richards’ personal property here in the gallery. The entire music community in Hudson is abuzz.”
Best of all, you can feel especially vindicated about how much you drop at this auction because the proceeds will be donated to SPHERE and Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, Conn. Hansen’s 24-year-old nephew has autism and both organizations help adults with developmental disabilities actualize their dreams.
Hansen’s eye is responsible for the classic aesthetic of the items at auction, which adorned the pair’s Manhattan apartment for many years. With well over 500 items of surprisingly traditional historical European furniture, art, ceramics, dinnerware and more on display, the auction is about much more than the Richards’ name… although it certainly doesn’t hurt when it’s time to brag about where your beautiful new chairs came from. Many of the items’ estimated prices, and therefore starting bids, are set in a manageable price range, making them more attainable than one might expect. We’re highlighting a few of our favorites here, but the whole catalog is available online.
Lot 464: MELODY ROSE HAND-PAINTED NORITAKE PORCELAIN TEA SERVICE
Supremely British but with an undeniably wry, rock-and-roll edge, this tea set — actual Japanese porcelain — was hand painted by artist Melody Rose. It’s hard not to see the appeal here and we wouldn’t be surprised if this piece in particular goes for much more than its estimated price, not just because of its punk elegance but its provenance as being previously owned by the fourth greatest guitarist of all time (according to Rolling Stone). This is a perfect example of how the magical power of touch adds value to an item. It’s great on its own, but knowing this was Richards’ tea set adds another ethereal layer of enamel to the set, which includes a teapot, a pair of cups and saucers, a dessert plate, a creamer, two butter plates, an ashtray, and a pair of cordials.
Estimate: $600-$800
Lot 554: ENGLISH TUFTED LEATHER UPHOLSTERED CHESTERFIELD SOFA
Richards’ favorite piece in the auction is this sofa, which sat prominently in their Manhattan living room. Hansen designed the space to feel like a box of treasures and one certainly gets that feel from the items in this collection. While not many of the items scream rock and roll, there is a theatrical feel to the offerings. And there’s certainly something enjoyable about picturing Richards, with his debauched public persona, lounging on this lush sofa.
Estimate: $2,000-$3,000
Lot 8: HIPPOLYTE DELAROCHE (1797-1856): THE GUILLOTINE
There are many exquisite paintings in the collection but none are more arresting than this depiction of a nun before the guillotine, acquired from the Nashville Museum of Art. It may not be to everyone’s taste, or the most valuable piece at auction (it’s unsigned), but it vividly depicts the 1794 guillotine deaths of the Martyrs of Compiegne, the 16 Carmelite nuns who were sentenced to death during the Reign of Terror. During the anti-clericalism of the French Revolution, the nuns refused to obey the mandate that suppressed their monastery. They were arrested, imprisoned and brought to Paris where they were condemned as traitors and sentenced to death. On July 17, 1794, all 16 nuns were guillotined. The novice, Sister Constance, was the first to die, followed by the lay sisters and ending with the prioress, Mother Teresa of St. Augustine.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,500
Lot 81: VICTORIAN STAINED FRUITWOOD RETRACTABLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR
This piece, which dates back to the 19th century, has more going on than one might think at first glance. This still-functional Literary Machine was an early mechanical recliner invented by John Carter of London (not to be confused with “of Mars” c.1911). This recliner was meant to be used in consort with a book and candle stand so that when the seat was fully reclined and the stand was swiveled in front, you could comfortably read hands free. While a number of the handsome stands are still available online, you would be hard pressed to find another chair like this, especially in this condition and working order.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500
Lot 431A: CHINESE SILK AND METALLIC THREAD EMBROIDERED ROBE, POSSIBLY QIANLONG
Richards acquired this robe in trade for one of his own leather jackets. The Quianlong Emperor reigned from 1711 to 1799 and this elegant ceremonial robe is an example of the highest luxury of that time. Interestingly, it’s hard to say what’s worth more, this beautiful one-of-a-kind historic artifact or a leather jacket worn by Keith Richards. In 2008, a leather jacket gifted to Richards by Mick Jagger was sold at auction and, while we couldn’t find the sale price, the pre-auction estimate was $6,000-$8,000. So who knows which is more valuable — but it’s hard to imagine Richards didn’t walk around that fabulous apartment, at least once, draped in some Quianlong noble’s ceremonial robe.
Estimate: $5,000-$10,000
The full auction catalog is well worth flipping through and further enhanced by a visit in person. Whether you’re there for the style or there for the provenance, this auction is a can’t-miss.
Auction of the Keith and Patti Richards Collection
Saturday, June 24 at 3 p.m (approx.). Doors open at 9 a.m.
Stair Galleries
549 Warren St., Hudson, NY
(518) 751-1000
Open for preview: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Also currently open for weekend previews until auction.
Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sundays, noon-5 p.m.
Lisa Green reports from Stockbridge. The 
Rachel Louchen reports from Wassaic. 
Amy Krzanik reports from Stockbridge. “Cherchez la femme. Look for the woman,” said Yehuda Hanani in his introductory remarks at 
At the Sylvia Center, we have a tried and true rule for our farm programs; you must have at least a “first taste.” Participants must try a little bit of each of the components we prepare and are encouraged to come back for more. With this Spring Pasta with Parmesan and Lemon, our first taste portions were greeted with skeptical looks and murmurings of “I already know I’m going to like it though…” The Girl Scouts at this program cleaned out the pan, with not one sole piece of farfalle left to tell the tale.
The former Peint o Gwrw on Main Street is now The People’s Pub, opened by Angus Van Beusichem and Gray Ballinger; the kitchen is manned by CIA-trained Chef Kouri Killmeier. The place is billed as a pub, but the cocktail menu is full of interesting $12 options such as The New Fangled (Albany Distilling Dark Rum, Luxardo Marchino, Dry Curaçao and bitters), The New York Ass (Bootlegger Vodka, fresh lime and ginger beer) and The Chatham Reviver (Ballast Point Gin, Cocchi Americano, Dry Curaçao, lemon, Chef Handsome Homemade Bitters, with an absinthe rinse.) Drinks served, we ordered six oysters, three Blue Points from Long Island ($1) and three west coast beauties from Oregon ($3). They were served with three tasty mignonettes. We moved on to the risotto fritters ($16) and the Brussels sprouts ($7), both worthy of ordering, especially the fried Brussels sprouts all bacony and sweet. The fritters were a delicious meal in themselves and the tomato broth they sat in was perfection. The buttermilk chicken sandwich ($14) was satisfactory but the Spanish octopus ($17.50) was a showstopper. It was charred with vermicelli noodle salad dressed in lime and herbs. A very popular item at The People’s Pub is The People’s Burger ($13.50), made with Kinderhook Farm beef, and fries, served with a healthy heaping of Parmesan cheese, garlic aioli and fresh garden herbs. The staff nailed it. The wings are juicy but crispy, spicy and beyond satisfying. Be sure to ask about seasonal specials and Sunday brunches. —Joanna Virello
Located on Salisbury’s quaint Main Street, The Lockup is owned by restaurateurs Eric and Liz Macaire, former owners of The Bubble Lounge (in New York and San Francisco). Start with the smoky octopus carpaccio ($16), thin wedges of white meat settled in jewel-toned aspic, served with saffron-infused fennel. The Lockup Burger ($15), complete with a fried egg and a healthy portion of French fries could have easily been worn as a catcher’s mask. It was that generous, and loaded with fresh greens, little fried shallots, and a light Mornay sauce. Spaghetti with pesto ($19) is perfect comfort food in the licorice-y essence of the fresh basil and pasta. Don’t pass on dessert: our reviewer recommends the lemon ricotta cheesecake with a “side” of house-made chocolate ice cream, or the warm, ricotta-filled beignets covered in a light caramel sauce.
That magical hamlet Wassaic, at the end of Metro-North’s Harlem Line, is home to this very special place, the spot where art, pizza and music collide. It’s where you can get a bonafide Brussel Simmons, a wood-fired pizza pie with roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon and fresh mozzarella and ricotta ($14); or the Art of Kale, with red sauce, artichoke hearts and mozzarella and Romano cheeses — and you can add sausage to that canvas if you’re feeling a bit creative ($13). The Lantern’s dough is dense, rich, flavorful and just a bit chewy in that perfect Neapolitan way. The topping options are locally sourced and are either tasty variations on a Margherita or are simply works of art in and of themselves. If you decide to drop by on a Wednesday, please note it’s pizza’s night off so be prepared to experience The Lantern’s comfort food menu. This is your opportunity to try the meatloaf, also locally sourced.
Skarship Farm offers rolling fenced pastures, ancient woods, cropland, Roe Jan water frontage, stone walls, and Catskill Mountian views on 750 acres in Hillsdale. Ideally suited for farming, there is a converted barn home in the center of the compound with four bedrooms, a living room with high ceiling, contemporary kitchen, and family room. Additionally, there is a five-bedroom guest house, two barns, huge heated workshop, and caretaker’s house. A tennis court and inground pool are also part of the property. Listed for $5.95 million by Houlihan Lawrence. 
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New Lebanon is home to a Colonial built in 1790 on 244 acres protected by a conservation easement. The updated house has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, service bar, conservatory, spacious office lined with bookshelves, and a common sitting room in between the bedrooms. The living room, dining room and den all have fireplaces. Surrounded by landscaping and stonework are a three-bay garage, studio, and a bonus A-frame building. Listed for $1.295 million by 
Tucked away in Old Chatham, this 1799 Colonial is surrounded by 106 acres for hiking and exploring. The carefully preserved home has wide-board hardwood floors, a kitchen with exposed post and beams, living room with fireplace, and four bedrooms. A guest suite is private and separate from the main sleeping quarters. A porch looks out to exceptional gardens, mature trees, a swimmable pond, and private patio. Listed for $595,000 by The Kinderhook Group. 
Lisa Green reports from Spencertown. It mattered not a whit that this year’s Twilight in the Garden reception on Friday, June 16 was held at the same location as last year. After all, who wouldn’t want to return to the pastoral landscape at the home of Denise and John Dunne? The garden party, a kickoff to the Spencertown Academy’s annual Hidden Gardens tour the following day, is a fundraiser for the real fundraiser: tours of spectacular gardens in the area, lectures and workshops, a garden market on the green and an art exhibition. Although the all-volunteer party planners hastily set up tents because of rain, all turned out just fine: the showers stopped as guests started to arrive, and even the sheep, as if on cue, drifted out to pasture to assure that the view would be as stunning as possible. [Above: Hostess Denise Dunne and Betsy Winters Russell, a member of the Hidden Gardens committee.]
