Book Review: Fabulous Finds

By Sandy Amazeen Sep 14, 2011, 18:19 GMT

Offering an insider\'s look at the exciting modern art scene, this guide dishes out revealing stories and memorable encounters with the rich and famous—including Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Oprah Winfrey, and Luciano Pavarotti—as well as situations the author would rather forget, such as when a famous rock star tried to seduce her. Rich with personal insights and recollections, this entertaining account also offers a wealth of practical advice on how to ...more

Expert art, furniture and furnishings appraiser Lee Drexler shares her often-amusing experiences and discoveries made over the last thirty-five years in this entertaining, educational book. Drexler still gets a thrill when she uncovers a rare treasure for her clients as illustrated in the first chapter when a Zao Wou-Ki painting, insured for a mere $7,000 was appraised at $650,000. The full story about the Wall Street Bull pictured on the cover reveals the inside scoop on what has become one of New York City’s leading icons. Less exciting but no less informative is the necessity of telling an art fancier or family member that the treasured piece they were so proud of was a fake. Drexler’s descriptions of meeting with the rich and famous are priceless, especially a trophy wife who puts a different spin on comfortable entertaining.

There are tips included throughout the book along with an entire chapter devoted to avoiding being burned by unscrupulous or misinformed dealers but the bottom line essentially boils down to, if the price seems to be too good to be true it very probably is. Still, fabulous finds are made at yard sales and thrift stores throughout the country. Although this fun read won’t provide a solid education about the do’s and don’ts of buying and evaluating art, it does give some good places to start.