The Curious Collector | Podcast Guru

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The world of collecting and collectors is a curious one….and it’s where I’ve spent most of my life. I’m Stuart Holbrook and as President of Theriault’s - the world’s leader in the auction of antique dolls and figurative art – I’ve traveled the world managing this often personal and always wild experience of collecting and being a collector. Now, I’m bringing my expertise and knowledge of trends to life in my new podcast - The Curious Collector. In each episode, I’ll be sharing my experience - and experiences - of real-life stories alongside sage advice on how to build great collections within the happy life of a collector. No matter what you collect – whether you’re just beginning or have been at it for years – I guarantee this podcast will surprise you, enlighten you – and yes, even sometimes shock you at times– but always help keep the fire burning to find that next elusive item.

Recent Episodes

Anything Can Be Anywhere - An Ode to Cadillac Jack

For Theriault's President, Stuart Holbrook, the novel, Cadillac Jack, by legendary American author, Larry McMurtry, has served as an inspiration for his entire career. This book alone brought him back to “the business” after college with it's rich depiction of a life scouting out fine objects and the people and adventures that follow. In this episode, Stuart highlights the why of this work being so inspirational to him. More importantly, he offers lessons to collectors about their own pursuit...

74 MIN

Collector Conversations: Ursula Mertz

Ursula Mertz, the German immigrant to America who would ironically come to define the American doll of the 1900-1950 era, is a true national treasure. Her research and vibrant personality shaped a generational understanding of this category in dolls and allowed them a home where appreciation and respect would follow. Her countless articles and the landmark, Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls, have guided collectors on the subject for decades. In this episode of The Curious Collector, ...

82 MIN

The Healing Power of Dolls - The Juliet Peliukh Story.

This is a story that needed to be told. Theriault's President Stuart Holbrook narrates the difficult recent life of acclaimed Ukrainian doll artist, Juliet Peliukh. A story that started with a tragedy in 2009, was upended again by the war in 2022, and is still unfolding today. It is a heartbreaking tale of survival; a tale in which dolls have served as a central thread of hope. There's no tidy ending here. Juliet isn't pretending there is one, and she wouldn't want us to either. What it does ...

49 MIN

Contemporary Art Dolls: Coming of Age

Theriault's President Stuart Holbrook details his recent journey to the annual NIADA - National Institute of American Doll Artists - conference which brings together doll artists and patrons from across the world. He shares his reflections from his time there and, as well, the premise of the keynote talk he gave to attendees. That is, history is our greatest teacher. And as contemporary art dolls come of age and leave the realm of “modern” it’s important to know what will resonate over genera...

74 MIN

Collector Conversations: Bradley Justice Yarbrough

Collector Conversations is now a regular addition to The Curious Collector podcast that allows listeners to understand the lives, inspirations, and pursuits of so many different collectors around the world. Best of all, it's a chance to hear it all candidly from their own perspectives in order to inspire those just starting this journey - as well as validating those long established collectors with familiar experiences. In this episode, Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault's, talks to belo...

75 MIN