Collection of Tiffany Lamps housed at The Neustadt Institute
In the heart of Manhattan, on the Upper East Side, resides an extraordinary collection that shines like a beacon of American artistry - The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass. This collection, founded by Dr. Egon Neustadt and his wife Hildegard, is the largest and most significant assembly of Tiffany lamps ever amassed, a testament to their passion for the works of Louis C. Tiffany.
Dr. Neustadt, an Austrian immigrant, had a particular fondness for the first lamp he and his wife purchased: a small Daffodil shade, which he kept on or close to his desk throughout his life. Their collection-making was confined to the tri-state area, with Dr. Neustadt often visiting shops dealing in Tiffany material and scouring second-hand shops and antique stores in the surrounding areas. Their first Tiffany lamp was bought from a second-hand shop in Greenwich Village in 1935.
Over fifty years, Dr. Neustadt built a collection of more than 200 Tiffany lamps, windows, desk set accessories, and glass "jewels." By 1960, the Neustadts had amassed over 100 works by Tiffany Studios, with a majority being lamps and approximately a dozen ledged-glass windows. The collection also includes a study collection of approximately 50 early lamp forgeries, which attests to the growing interest in Tiffany's work during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Neustadt Collection is not just a treasure trove of beautiful lamps; it is a museum-quality collection that provides an in-depth look at the artistry of Tiffany Studios and its contribution to American stained glass history. The collection is committed to sharing its story and collections with diverse audiences through its gallery at the Queens Museum and exhibitions that travel to museums nationwide.
One of the highlights of the collection is a one-of-a-kind leaded-glass shade decorated with a swarm of small dragonflies, considered the rarest item in the lamp collection. Visitors to Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass exhibitions often express audible gasps upon seeing the lamps, which they find to be both beautiful and exceptionally crafted.
In 1983, Dr. Neustadt exhibited approximately 130 lamps at the New-York Historical Society and donated them following the exhibition. Today, The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, under the guidance of Director and Curator Lindsy R. Parrott, continues to preserve, study, and display these works of art. Parrott's research focus lies in Louis C. Tiffany's leaded-glass windows, lamps, and opalescent flat glass.
Currently, the Neustadt Collection is co-curating the upcoming special exhibition "Tiffany's Glass Mosaics," which will explore the artistry of Tiffany Studios' glass mosaics. The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass is a museum attraction in its own right, such as at the Queens Museum, where it is described as one of the leading repositories for Tiffany works.
In conclusion, the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass is a comprehensive and historically significant assemblage of Tiffany lamps and related works, notable for its breadth and museum-quality pieces. It is a testament to Dr. Neustadt's dedication and passion for Tiffany's work, and a shining example of the beauty and craftsmanship that defined Tiffany Studios during its heyday.
The Neustadts' collection-making, confined to the tri-state area, not only includes a vast array of Tiffany lamps but also extends to desk set accessories, glass "jewels," and home-and-garden items, showcasing an integrated interior-design passion. This museum-quality collection, with its focus on Louis C. Tiffany's works, continues to inspire awe among diverse audiences, reflecting a lifestyle enriched by the exceptional craftsmanship of Tiffany Studios.
