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Harrel Hough... Purveyor, Dealer
He’s a tough buyer but he brings the stuff
BY LOU CHRISTINE
See him at THE BIG RED BARN
Harrell Hough shows at The Big Red Barn during the Spring and Autumn shows. The San Antonian, reared in Mississippi, is known to be amicable, seasoned, knowledgeable, and loves making deals.
As a youth he proved to be outgoing, ambitious while quick on the uptake. Starting at around 10 years-old Hough perched outside one-time, elegant southern mansions that became museums featuring household items coined “antebellum” (pre-Civil-War). Even at the tender age Hough was eager for action. He had already eavesdropped on the tour guides memorizing dates, tidbits and buzzwords about the contents of those relics of the past. Soon he’d be offering; “strictly for tips,” tours of his own, echoing what he picked up.
Hough says those days back in Miss-is-sip is where his initial interest into finery and craftsmanship became appreciated. He got further educated by scanning flea markets. During his late teens Hough began collecting (shame on you boy) photos, figurines and knickknacks of partially clad women. Yet scouring flea markets while dealing in an arousing collection of girly keepsakes wouldn’t pay the rent. Hough immersed himself into the printing business but still continued to educate himself about the trade.
After moving to Texas in 1981, with his curious nature about local history, Hough became attracted to Texana and Mexican Folk Art. Thus he began in earnest. For forty years now Hough has established a selling and buying network with clients spread across the country and even across borders. He’s belonged to collectors clubs of all sorts and prefers the eclectic rather than indulging in a specialty. All of the above has created a slight dilemma. You see, digging little deeper into Hough’s wheeling and dealing mind-set, he freely admits he senses he could have an identity problem.
Seeking, restoring, displaying and moving items of value are what the man does for a living. Over time Hough has developed a keen eye and heartfelt appreciation for items that strike his fancy. But, he’s in business. What he acquires is meant to be sold. Hough does admit he possesses few items he’s kept for decades yet the romantic guy that he is, confesses he tries his darndest not fall in love with items. “I keep and admire some items for a while yet if there comes a buyer I’m not apt to argue with a profit.”
Hough has developed clients and peers in the business who specialize in a particular genre. He might be at a show in East Texas and eyeballs a copper horse bit at an attractive price and knows ole Jeb Haskins over in Uvalde is gah-gah over copper horse bits. He just might purchase the bit up sensing
ole Jeb will be thrilled and won’t mind Hough’s modest add on.
If not, there’s probably another buyer.
Every collector/purveyor/ dealer likes hitting home runs like the time Hough says he purchased a musical item, an old ukulele for 50 bucks and sold it a week later for 4K! But there have been times when swore an item might bring 10K, and then, ten years later while gathering dust he has finally bombed out the piece for fifteen hundred. Despite what his collector’s lusty, little-head yearns for, his sobering dealer’s big-head dictates, “It’s probably not worth the risk, so why chance it?”
Forget the romance! Hough prefers moving money. It’s “Turn baby turn! Most of his wide and varied inventory is for sale. His creed: Make alliances with other logical and clear minded dealers. Make your money when you buy! Turn purchases into sales. Take the profit and invest it into something of more value. Be happy!
Besides the eclectic Hough buys in lots of ephemera that include everyday items perhaps at one time very common but not so easy to find today. Outlets in Austin and Green carry his inexpensive array of smalls rather they be signage, mugs, drinking glasses, belt buckles etc. these days they’ve become items appreciated by millennials.
Still Hough finds himself up prior to dawn and might drive 60 miles to an estate sale. He’s a familiar friendly face at shows throughout Texas and New Mexico. He’s relied upon by peers to validate or even identify items they may have just purchased.
One is apt to find almost anything when visiting Hough at his Big Red Barn spot but these days he has been leaning towards textiles and folk art. Hough does profess the business is always in flux and when asked by this reporter if one was just starting out is there an area of collecting or marketing to perhaps delve into?
Hough was quick to say, “It’s a transitional business, fickle at times and trends can turn into dead ends, like baseball cards or the Beanie Baby craze.” Hough believes, like most mavens in his business that quality and value remain supreme. If at the Red Barn find Harrell; he’s a worthwhile stop. □
