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WAKEFIELD SCEARCE: THE REVITALIZATION OF A KENTUCKY INSTITUTION BY JERRY SHROUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT ROYCRAFT
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4 1 The “Silver Vault” at Wakefield Scearce was modeled by the late Mark Scearce on the silver vaults in London, England, and houses the Midwest’s largest stock of period English silver. 2 A second floor showroom features 17th century oak paneling brought from England and is decorated as a dining room with a fox hunting theme.
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One of Kentucky’s legendary antique destinations is going through some exciting changes. Wakefield Scearce Galleries, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, was originally founded in 1947. More recently, Chuck Bolton—formerly of Federation Antiques in Cincinnati and a prominent Interior Designer— became affiliated with Wakefield. If you haven’t heard of the Gallery, you may have heard of Wakefield Scearce Presidential Julep Cups, which are perhaps one of the most beloved aspects of the Wakefield Scearce story. Beginning with the Truman administration and continuing to the present Obama administration, a Julep Cup has been produced bearing the initials of the President on the bottom of the cup. For second administrations, “II” is added at the end of the President’s initials. For example, “WJC II” signifies the second administration of William Jefferson Clinton. Some collectors vie to collect the entire series, while others may only collect Democrat or Republican administrations. Regardless, the Presidential Julep series has left a lasting impact on Kentucky Julep cups and a thriving secondary market in antique stores and online. Following is an interview with Chuck Bolton about the changes taking place at Wakefield. 3 The painting gallery overlooks the interior courtyard connecting the various buildings that comprised the Science Hill campus and was once used for school theatricals. 4 A third floor showroom is paneled in 18th century pine and decorated as a gentleman’s study.