M.S. Rau Antiques To Celebrate 100 Years
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FORBES, March 6, 2012-- The U.S. is still a young country so any business that has lasted 100 years is quite a milestone. When the business happens to be a dealer in antiques it's a cause for a celebration. M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans will be hosting such an event Thursday at its store on 630 Royal St. in the French Quarter.
M.S. Rau Antiques, 630 Royal Street in the heart of New Orleans' historic French Quarter
The two-story gallery, located on the main street for the city's antique dealers, specializes in 18th and 19th century antiques, fine art and estate jewelry. Among its items are furniture from Versailles, sterling silver from King George VI, pedigreed decorative art objects, and memorabilia from American and European history.
"Collecting has been the DNA of the Rau family," said Bill Rau the third generation owner of the family business. If you walk in the store today, you'll see art works by van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet; Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany jewelry; and items like music boxes, decorative glass and porcelain.
Bill Rau, CEO and third-generation owner of M.S. Rau Antiques.
Rau is especially proud of his collection of paintings by Churchill, the great World War II leader. "History buffs like me already know that Sir Winston Churchill's artistic skills continued to develop in and out of office," he said.
While the business deals with historical works, it has an eye on the future. Its website is e-commerce enabled so anyone can purchase many of the store's items online.
In addition, the store created the Rau for Art Foundation, a non-for-profit program and art contest targeting high school art students in the 10th to 12th grades. Besides promoting art appreciation, there's prize and scholarship money totaling $17,000 are awarded to winners and their high school art departments. Winning artwork will be exhibited at M.S. Rau Antiques and Fine Arts this month.
