The Wolf Museum of Music and Art was established through the lifelong teaching and collections of Dr. William A. Wolf and his wife, Frances Harkness Wolf. In 1899, Dr. Wolf began teaching classical piano in the city of Lancaster, Pa. He continued teaching until his death in 1965. In 1915, Dr. Wolf commissioned the construction of two Knabe concert grand pianos to his specifications for the then Wolf Institute of Music. They were completely rebuilt between 2000 and 2005.
Frances Harkness Wolf, was also musically talented and taught musical theory at the institute. In 1950, Mrs. Wolf inherited furniture and china from her aunt, Marette Carver, who lived on the mainline outside Philadelphia. Many of the items she inherited date from the mid- to late 19th century and tastefully decorated their home in Lancaster. Many pieces of furniture inherited were made by Lancaster County craftsman Henry Slaugh.
The Wolfs were lifelong residents of Lancaster County. Mrs. Wolf, at the time of her death in 1973, established their home and music studio as a public charity known as the Wolf Museum of Music and Art. The museum has recently been closed by the trustees, and the proceeds from the sale will be used to establish a musical scholarship program for aspiring Lancaster County music students.
An auction of the contents of the museum will be held live on Saturday, April 1, at 9 a.m., with live online bidding available through Live Auctioneers and HiBid. The Wolf Museum of Music and Art items will include Lots 1 to 305. The remainder of the sale will include various consignors. Conestoga Auction Company, a division of the Hess Auction Group, will be handling the deaccession. Conestoga Auction Company is located at 768 Graystone Road in Manheim, Pa.
For further information, visit www.hessauctiongroup.com.