Charles Derby 141 Fig. 13 (right): Maternity figure. Senufo, Côte d’Ivoire. Ex Paul Rabut; obtained from a Connecticut mental hospital. Paul Rabut told me a fascinating story about how he obtained this object: The statue was one of several donated to a local mental hospital and Paul was called in as a consultant to look at them. He mentioned that this particular piece might cause some distress in patients who might have lost a child or couldn’t have children. The trustees agreed and decided that they didn’t want to keep it. They had the piece appraised and Paul was able to purchase it for that price. Fig. 14 (above): Covered bowl. Rotse, Zambia. Ex Philip Budrose; Charles Mack. Fig. 15 (right): Gelede mask. Yoruba, Nigeria. Purchased from a Connecticut dealer who had found it at the Brimfield Flea Market. (the Chinese Book of Changes), a means of divination that helps me deal with major questions I have in my life. I’m probably receptive to its message because growing up I witnessed my grandmother reading tea leaves to interpret what they foretold. TAM: What are your upcoming plans and what would your message be for future collectors? CD: I’ll never retire from collecting; I’ll be doing it until the day I die. At this time, there’s a possibility that some of my African collection will be exhibited at the University of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in Amherst in the near future. I’m looking forward to helping plan this and I’ll probably give several lectures in conjunction with the show. Speaking of lectures, I’m lucky to live in an area where there are five colleges. I love to inspire young people to become involved in the appreciation of tribal art. Over many years, I’ve lectured to several classes and have had students visit my home. I know that my enthusiasm and love for this field have had an impact on them. One remarkable example comes to mind. Several years ago, some of my collection was exhibited at Middlebury College in Vermont. As part of the opening festivities, I led several seminars. A few years later, I was at the Guggenheim Museum when a young woman came up to me and asked, “Are you Mr. Derby?” When I said that indeed I was, she continued, “I just want to let you know that I was a student in your seminar at Middlebury and you so inspired me that now I’m in a graduate program in African art.” I was awed and pleased that I had played a small part in helping her to find a meaningful new direction in her education. My advice for future collectors? Seek out established collectors. Ask questions. Never stop learning. Don’t think you know it all because you never will. Buy what you love. And last but not least, find yourself a supportive spouse who understands and appreciates what you collect.
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