The William K. du Pont Collection: A Holy Grail of Americana

Over the course of decades, William K. du Pont carefully amassed one of the greatest private collections of Americana ever assembled. The definition of a true connoisseur, Mr. du Pont was a devoted scholar who sought to preserve artifacts from early American history, from candlesticks and keyholes to elaborate cabinets and bookcases. In this video, Mr. du Pont’s friends, relatives and colleagues explore what made him and his collection so exemplary.

[@PLuMUK54]

A great pity that this collection cannot remain together in a museum.

[@harperwelch5147]

It’s so sad that someone spent decades finding and buying these precious and rare items to combine them into a cohesive environment. He wanted the objects to tell a story. Now they go into a blender and are tossed out in pieces, scattered far and wide. What a pity to dismantle his fine work. For the money for the children.

[@kevinchambers1101]

He sold off a previous collection he owned to put together this collection which he amassed recently. He also gave important pieces to Winterthur. I think he enjoyed the hunt as much as the collecting.

[@lees5073]

His daughter is selling the kitchen table?????? OMG

[@queencerseilannister3519]

How can you sell all this off!?

[@pearpenguin]

Downsizing must be the goal here I imagine. You can't hang onto objects forever. Some people can't have enough while others need a clear space to have a clear mind.

[@Zincink]

Lancaster used to be entirely German & the heart table looks similar to their folk style. As an artist I can’t even drink my own water because of chemicals that helped build their empire. How cruel is that.. how cruel. I know this isn’t the place, but you can’t forget such a thing.

[@AngelasMixedMediaArtist]

Very beautiful love ❤️ 🙌🙌🙌

[@dear_darling]

fascinating!

[@frankvangoethem1972]

Here in Europe to get the appraisal price of some of this furniture? Good luck I'd say.... Just look at the kitchen table the drawer there is clearly restored with pieces of a 1930 's wine crate.

[@StephanieSoressi]

So, Billy collected items commemorating the world his family's toxic business destroyed? How cool is that?!

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

멋찝니다~~

[@homerth1555]

So what is the point of collecting all of these historical items when the moment you die, they are dispersed in sale to other rich people? And then only other rich people will get to see them? So tired of the greed.

[@kevinchambers1101]

I had bid at the auction to try to bring a piece back to my community but lost out . Not everyone is wealthy that bid at auctions. If you're someone like me with a very limited amount of money and you do your research it is possible to win wonderful items at very low prices, though at this auction it was not the case.

[@decnijfkris3706]

very chique

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

😀

[@andrewsemple692]

I always cringe seeing ivory in these videos

[@eazymoneyTX]

Why ?

[@andrewsemple692]

@@eazymoneyTX just the whole endangered species part

[@mzheather4u]

@EazyMoney I was a teenage volunteer/missionary in Liberia (West Africa), in 1989. This was a work (10-12 hours a day) job, for 6 weeks, in the heart of the jungle (w/out electricity, etc.). Not a vacation. One of the vivid memories I have, unfortunately, is of hearing the stories (from the Pleebo Tribesmen) of how the ivory was obtained (I will spare you the graphic details), etc. Needless to say, whenever I see/hear anything about ivory, I become sad. Ivory is very beautiful and taking it from an already deceased animal is one thing but the other way is horrific.

[@SantaBarbaraBiking]

@@eazymoneyTX Have you heard of the ivory trade?

[@eazymoneyTX]

@@SantaBarbaraBiking ever heard of having WAY too many feelings? Ever heard of emotional instability?