A quest for the best
Meet the Tuers
Joe and Sally Tuer, Miller & Miller’s new consignment directors for Canadiana and Folk Art sales.
Joe and Sally Tuer, Miller & Miller’s new consignment directors for Canadiana and Folk Art sales, come well-equipped for the job.
Forty years of collecting, buying and selling through their former antique business, as well as previous careers in business management, mean they have the skills and the experience needed to maintain the high standards the auction house is known for.
In essence, it’s about knowing when to say no and when to say yes please.
They started the job mid-July and are now responsible for vetting all consignments to Miller & Miller’s October and February Canadiana & Folk Art auctions. They do the research and provide estimates for accepted items, which are also reviewed by another expert.
The Tuers, based in Stratford, Ontario, have collected original furniture, spongeware, tramp art, decoys and other Canadiana since they were in their early twenties. “We had no money back then,” recalls Sally. “We were just out of school so all we had was debt. Our first purchase was a painted table and the dealer talked us into not refinishing it. Thanks to him we learned very quickly.”
While they’ll be bringing their own experience to the role, they’ll also have access to Miller & Miller’s impressive reserve of consulting experts. “We were in the antique business for 15 years, so between that, our own collection, and the experts we can consult, we have lots of resources to guide us,” says Joe.
“Joe and Sally are what many couples aspire to be: a powerful team with a shared passion,” says Ethan Miller, CEO and co-owner of Miller & Miller Auctions. “They’re honest, they know ‘good, better, best’, and they are thirsty for a challenge. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
A peek into the gallery display for Miller & Miller’s October 8th Canadiana & Folk Art sale. A well-rounded offering organized by new Canadiana consignment directors Joe and Sally Tuer.
Since Miller & Miller has an established reputation for selling high-value collections to a worldwide audience, the Tuers will inevitably have to turn down potential consignments at times. “That’s the biggest hurdle we face,” Sally acknowledges. “Some of what we see is not the quality we’re looking for. We don’t want to offend people, but at the same time you have to be realistic.”
“We tell them up front we’re looking for quality pieces and not necessarily all the items will be suitable,” echoes Joe. “People are attached to their collections, but in most cases they also know what’s good and what’s not.”
“We’re not estate auctioneers,” Sally hastens to add. “That’s the bottom line. These are curated auctions.”
Maud Lewis paintings on display ahead of the October 8th sale at Miller & Miller Auctions.
A selection of art available as part of the October 8th sale.
The Tuers also come from business backgrounds, although both are now retired. Sally was a regional manager for a chain of clothing stores and Joe owned his own farm retail business in agriculture.
“We’re really flattered Ethan Miller approached us,” Joe says. “The Millers have a great work ethic and do a fantastic job ensuring what is being sold is as described.” “And their online platform is the best in the businesses,” adds Sally. “They’ve mastered that.”
While most people know when they have something special to consign, sometimes they don’t, which can be fun. “Giving someone great news when it’s not expected is always exciting,” says Sally.
By Diane Sewell
Diane Sewell has been a writer for over 25 years, producing feature stories for some of the country’s top newspapers and consumer magazines, as well as client newsletters and commissioned books.
AUCTION DETAILS:
Canadiana & Folk Art
Featuring the Jim Fleming, Susan Murray and Marty Osler Collections
October 8, 2022. 9am EST.
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