I don’t usually post stories about estate sales.
Then again, most Westport estate sales don’t attract interest from as far away as Canada.
Most estate sales also don’t feature items from an 1853 Victorian farmhouse that for over 60 years was the home of husband-and-wife artists, both of whom were inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.
Walter and Naiad Einsel
The couple — Walter and Naiad Einsel — were Westport icons. They worked together and independently on book and magazine illustrations, posters, ads and package designs.
They were the first married couple to create stamp designs for the US Postal Service. They also produced 55 figures — with intricate details and moving parts — for Epcot Center.
They were also important members of Westport’s arts community. Naiad designed our Bicentennial Quilt, sewn by 33 women and on display in Town Hall since 1976. She earned a Westport Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
In 2006 the Einsels received a Preservation Award for their South Morningside Drive home. Starting Friday, the entire contents of that house — including attic, basement and crawlspaces, plus their studios, the barn, outbuildings — are up for sale.
Folks will come from all over the East for thousands of pieces of folk art, antiques, paintings, prints, kinetic sculptures and advertising items. The list seems endless: a 1900 cast iron kitchen stove; an Edison standard phonograph with horn and records; 15 antique clocks, and on and on.
The Einsels’ “Saver,” made of copper, brass, polychrome and wood, 90 messages appear on tape in the megaphone as the flag is waved and the hat revolves.
There’s also the usual stuff you’d find at any Westport estate sale, like sterling silver, crystal, cabinets, sofas, bookcases, blah blah blah.
I’m always amazed at the number of cars parked at “normal” estate sales. This one could be a record breaker.
There’s early buying on Friday (November 11, 4 to 9 p.m.). It costs $50 per person that night — but a portion of that fee will be donated to the Westport Historical Society.
That’s fitting. The Einsels had a lot to do with restoring the WHS’ 7-sided cobblestone building. There, Walter’s kinetic sculpture “Uncle Sam” tips his hat, and his eyes light up. Naiad’s “Statue of Liberty” also moves: her torch shines, and her heart pulsates.
The estate sale continues Saturday (November 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday (November 13, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
It will be packed. Items will go fast. But if you don’t find anything you like, you can still purchase something Einsel-related.
The historic house is up for sale too.
(For more details, click here.)
Walter and Naiad Einsel’s South Morningside Drive house.