Items from Lambuth University will be auctioned May 28 in Jackson, Tenn. It isn’t often that an institution of higher learning sells off most of its holdings and closes its doors for good, but that’s exactly what is about to happen at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn.
piano from the chapel (serial # 404793D), a Steinway & Son parlor baby grand piano, a K. Kawai piano from the theater (serial # 242867), a Baldwin concert grand piano, a K. Kawai parlor grand piano (Model 650, serial # 271529) and a K. Kawai parlor grand piano. Also sold will be a practice organ in good condition.
The fine art will feature a monumental 1776 portrait of Thomas Brown, Esq., by William McCullough (Glasgow Academy); an unsigned oil painting of the early New York City skyline by Samuel Halpert (Am., 1884-1930), a pioneer of modern art in American (est. $30,000); an oil on canvas landscape by G.B. Sticks (Br., 1834-1898), titled Loch Kathrine Sunset (1876); an oil on canvas of a woman and a mule by L. Meyer (N.Y., 19th century); and other important works.
What is today Lambuth University began in 1843 as a small but significant women’s college geared mainly toward women in the Jackson and Memphus, Tenn., areas. It was founded by the Memphis Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Eighty years later, men were allowed to enroll, thus broadening Lambuth’s educational reach and community impact.
Through steadfast stewardship of early leaders at the newly co-educational institution, Lambuth continued to expand not only its campus size but its athletic activities and academic offerings, including one of the few planetariums in the South. It is unclear what will become of the buildings and grounds once the school closes, but word is negotiations are underway with a large area university to acquire it and turn it into a satellite campus. But no deal has been made.
The Lambuth University Student Union Building is located at 705 Lambuth Boulevard in Jackson, Tenn., about a half-mile west of US Highway 45 (also known as North Highland Ave.).
Terms of the auction will be cash, major credit cards and pre-approved checks. All sales will be final, with no warranty expressed or implied. A 12 percent buyer’s premium will be charged on each total purchase price, with a 2 percent discount for cash, business and personal checks with proper ID, or wire transfers. A 7 percent sales tax will apply to most purchases.
Stevens Auction Company is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (662) 369-2200; or, you can e-mail them at stevensauction@bellsouth.net. To learn more about Stevens Auction Company and the upcoming May 28 on-site auction, please log on to www.stevensauction.com.
