By James Lomuscio
Treasure hunters who happen upon the estate sale at Westport’s 5 Rockyfield Road this weekend can expect more than the usual high-end furnishings and assorted tchotchkes, but a unique window into Westport’s artistic past.
Some of Howard Munce’s drawings up for sale on Saturday and Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
For 61 years the house was home to Howard Munce, the Westport artist whose career as illustrator, art director, teacher, sculptor and author spanned generations earning him the sobriquet “dean of Westport artists.” Munce, 100, died here March 5, leaving behind a treasure trove of paintings, illustrations and other items detailing the life of the tall, thin, spry, seemingly ageless and energetic presence ubiquitous in town arts circles. (See WestportNow March 8, 2016)
Among the inventory are: a couple of Munce’s paintings; numerous pen and ink drawings of all sizes that appeared in national and local magazines and newspapers; wooden flat files; “and an incredible architectural table,” says Mary Brewster, Munce’s daughter who lives in Redding and is organizing the sale.
“I didn’t realize what this table was,” Brewster said. “It’s been in this house 61 years, and my father always had it covered with things. It’s a very large table, and you can tip the top; it’s made of solid wood.”
“And there are beautiful things from my mother,” says Brewster, describing myriad dishes and china sets.
Munce’s wife Geraldine died at 92 in 2014.
A Howard Munce sculpture is among estate sale items. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
So integral was Munce to the town’s arts scene following World War II that in July 2015 the Westport Historical Society (WHS) launched its exhibition, “Howard Munce at 100: A Centennial Celebration.”
Some contents of the sale will show different sides of Munce, such as a pair of boxing gloves that belonged to his boxer uncle Gordon Munce.
“My dad used them; he used to have a punching bag outside,” said Brewster, who recently put the home on the market.
The sale runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
