Bishop Jones's Parlor by Robert Off in the Gallery
Join us in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures through Oct 14 for a viewing of Bishop Jones's Parlor, a room box created by miniaturist Robert Off.
Absalom Jones was born into slavery in 1746. He taught himself to read, worked by day and attended an all-black school at night.
He was an active member of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia before meeting Richard Allen who he joined forces with to create The Free African Society/The African Church. He was one of the foremost leaders of African decent during the Post Revolutionary period and became the first African American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States, in 1804.
Bishop Jones's Parlor, earlier work by Mr. Off, is a 1/12th scale representation of a fictitious space which may have found Bishop Jones himself occupying sometime in the early 1800's. The piece provides a view to a cozy sitting room through a central foyer which is lit by a pair of brass sconces. A portrait of Absalom Jomes hangs over a fireplace mantle while a teacup and saucer wait quietly for a lift.
About the Artist
Robert Off has been building miniature architectural boxes for personal enjoyment since 1998. He was inspired by the miniature architectural boxes designed, The Thorne Rooms, created by Mrs. James Thorne and Eugene Kupjack and are now part of Chicago Art Institute's permanent collection. Before he started making boxes, he painted miniature, 54 mm, soldiers. He continues to collect and maintain a strong interest in the field but also collects 19th century American fine prints and is an active member of the American Historical Print Collectors Society.
Mr. Off is a retired commercial real estate investor and broker. Earlier in his career, he worked for the United States Government at the State Department and at The White House during the Nixon and Ford Administrations. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife and dog, a yellow lab.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES
D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is an online and in-store retail destination featuring artisan dollhouses and top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale furniture and accessories. The shop also offers workshops and classes taught by master artisans.
The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts at all skill levels and abilities, was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it!
The shop also features a gallery space showcasing works in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.
D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is located at 579 Warburton Avenue in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson NY. Gallery and shop hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from Noon to 5:00 pm. Evening hours are available by appointment.
