By Maria Bregman
Thrifting is not just a way to save money or find unique items. It can also be a way to discover hidden gems in the world of art and design. That’s what happened to Jessica Vincent, who bought a $3.99 (£3.15) vase from a Goodwill store in Richmond, Virginia, USA, and sold it for over $100,000 (£78,750) at an auction.
The vase, which features a swirling pattern of red and green glass blown with seafoam glass, was made by Carlo Scarpa in 1942 as part of his “Pennellate” series that he designed for Venini, an Italian glassworks company that was founded in 1876. Scarpa was not only an architect who transformed buildings with his innovative structures and materials, but also an artist who experimented with glassware and furnishings.
The vase is one of only 12 pieces that Scarpa made for Venini under his own name. The other 11 pieces were made by other artists who worked with Scarpa at Venini or under his supervision. The vase has the initials “SC” on its base, indicating that it was made by Scarpa himself.
Vincent said she noticed the vase immediately when she saw it at the Goodwill store. She said she had no idea it was so valuable or rare until she did some research online after buying it. She said she recognized the markings on its base as “Venini”, as in the famed Italian glassworks company.
She said she shared photos of the vase on a Facebook group for Murano glass collectors, where she learned more about its history and significance. She said she was amazed by how many people were interested in her find and how much they praised her eye for spotting such a treasure.
She said she decided to sell the vase at Wright auction house in London because they have expertise and experience in selling Scarpa’s work. She said they offered her £59,800 for the vase after conducting an appraisal.
She said she was thrilled by the outcome and grateful for her thrift store purchase. She said she plans to use some of the money to buy more thrifting items or donate them to charity.
Vincent said: “I think thrifting can lead to artistic discoveries if you are open-minded and curious.”
She wrote: “The vase I bought from Goodwill turned out to be one of Carlo Scarpa’s most sought-after works.”
