James Pook was born in the family business, literally. His family lived in the building which is now Pook & Pook, an antique auction shop that specializes in high-end, quality items. Pook & Pook was created by Debbie and Ron Pook, James’ parents. James was born in their bedroom, which is now his father’s office. James and his wife, Julie, started Dovetail Auctions in order to take on more affordable antiques that Pook & Pook doesn’t always handle. Dovetail Auctions is affectionately referred to as Pook & Pook’s “little sister,” working together as affiliates.
Larry Crossan, a cabinet maker, lived on Dovetail Auctions’ property and ran his workshop out of the barn for 26 years. Four years ago, the Pook’s bought the property from Larry, finding the entire property to be inspiring.
“We have an AirBnB here, a yard perfect for parties and campfires, a pottery studio which allows us to remain on the Chester County Studio Tour, and so much more.” said Julie.
Dovetail Auctions offers antiques and artwork mainly, however they also run specialty sales time to time.
“Most recently we had a single owner music sale: instruments, stereo and recording equipment, and vintage vinyl records.” Julie said. “We sold the world record number of Victorian fluid lamps, over 3,600! Yet to be included in Guiness’s book!”
Dovetail Auctions work with cosigners to curate their inventory. Some sales come from a single owner, while others could have as many as 20 consignors. The majority of Dovetail sales are what Julie calls “variety” sales, which contain a bit of everything for buyers to bid on.
All About Auctions!
Dovetail Auctions is truly a one-of-a-kind place. Every piece of inventory is auctioned off and the price is completely dependent on the buyers. Pieces have sold for $5 and for over $50,000. Julie, James, and their talented employee, Rachael, are the middle man between buyers and sellers. Buyers come in every version, some searching for that perfect antique piece to complete a room and some are resellers hoping to snag a special piece for their own antique stores.
Customers can participate in auction sales online to buy pieces. Currently, Dovetail Auctions utilizes two online platforms, Bidsquare and HiBid. Before the online sale opens, in-person previews are available at the Downingtown auction house. But remember – All bidding happens online only! This local business ships worldwide, sending antique items to places such as Ireland.
Auctions are held about every month, although recently the team has been hosting sales every two weeks due to their high level of inventory. Auctions are announced online, approximately a week before sales open.
Customers are also able sell their pieces. Dovetail will receive photos from the proposed sale to get an idea of what the collection consists of. After approval, Julie will arrange a pick-up or the consignors will drop the pieces off.
“Everything is on consignment, so we do all the marketing, listing, and photography, and charge a consignment percentage,” Julie explained.
With so many moving parts in this unique industry, Dovetail Auctions does their best to make the process seamless for customers and consignors.
“Everyone has a consignor number and a bidder number that keeps track and makes things simple for us.” said Julie. “I like to pay our consignors quickly and clear the barn out quickly because we are always ready to set up the next sale.”
The pricing is dependent on the auction value at the time of sale. Some items have little value currently, such as silver plates and colorless glass. There may not be a huge demand for these pieces right now, but some items swing the other way completely.
“We recently sold a rare stoneware jug for $68,000.” Julie said. “We sold a similar looking jug for $120!”
Another desk went for $5, while a Georgian secretary ended up at $72,000.
“I can say with confidence that if you are looking for something specific, you will find it here for a price that is better than buying new.” said Julie.
The Environmental ‘Good’ of Buying Secondhand
The heart of Dovetail Auctions lies in the environmental good of buying secondhand, beloved furniture, artwork, and other goods. All the pieces up for bid at Dovetail Auctions have withstood the test of time; being American-made, hand-crafted, and old! Julie is on a mission to motivate community members to embrace the idea of living non-disposable.
“You can buy a table that will last you six months, have it picked up off the curb, and delivered to a landfill where it breaks… or you can find a conversation piece that has already lasted generations.” Julie said.
There’s no doubt about it: buying secondhand (or third, fourth, or fifth – as Julie encourages!) will save our planet. Dovetail Auctions and the entire industry truly embraces the meaning of sustainability. Too often, in this modern day of convenience, the mindset of disposable takes over.
“I was pretty discouraged for a while, watching it. I fed into that mindset for awhile. It’s hard not to.” Julie explained. “Amazon tells me something can be here today between 10 AM – 2 PM, you can’t beat that instant gratification when you need sharpies at 2:30 PM! But when it comes to tried and true, things you need to last, why would I shop any other way?”
Price isn’t necessarily a barrier, as many might assume.
Julie said, “For example, a pair of made-to-look old candle sticks through Wayfair for $120 or a collection of antique candle sticks for $220. An “antique-inspired” Pottery Barn cupboard for $2,300 versus an actual Pennsylvania made antique cupboard for a few hundred dollars with wear and patina and history.”
Each piece tells a story; a certain type of magic that buying new doesn’t possess.
Saving the planet and giving back to their community are driving factors in Dovetail Auction’s core values.
Julie said, “We make sure a percentage of every sale is given back locally and sometimes globally. We are grateful and overwhelmingly blessed and have been given the opportunity to give.”
Grateful to Call Downingtown Home
Julie and James came together in their marriage, bringing two kids each. After getting married in 2014, they welcomed a fifth child. Their love, family, and passion have all blended together to create something beautiful.
“Working with James has been the most rewarding experience for me in this business. I respect him so much and have learned so much from him. I am so thankful that this business is thriving but I am even more thankful that we can share this success with each other.” Julie said. “I am a dreamer and James is a realist. We are a lot for each other sometimes. He needs to bring me back to earth sometimes and I need to make him paint something hot pink sometimes.”
The Pook family is deeply ingrained in the local community. All of their children are athletes and the business has been lucky enough to be able to support their teams.
“Downingtown is a place I won’t let myself take for granted. Floating down the Brandywine River, looking at stars without the haze of traffic lights, driving by Marsh Creek when the leaves are on fire!” Julie said.
Although Julie spends most of the time working, she enjoys it. When she does catch a moment of free time, she loves doing pottery, watching her kids play sports, dancing in the kitchen, cooking, and going to concerts! The family often enjoys going out to eat together, frequenting La Sponda, Anthony’s, and Green Street.
Above all else, Julie is excited about the future of the auction business and its sustainable impact. The Pook home is a great example: nearly every piece of furniture and decor in their home has been bought used. When they want to switch out different pieces, they simply trade them in. Sometimes they make money, sometimes they don’t, but either way, they treasure their memorable pieces, their home, and their community.
Dovetail Auctions is open from 8:30 PM to 3:30 PM, but living just a short distance away, the team is here more often than not.
*All article photos belong to Dan Williams. Learn more about his work at www.danwilliamsphotography.com.
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