For more than fifty years, Bill Thomas has called the same house his home. Within its walls, he and his wife raised their family, celebrated milestones, and filled the rooms with warmth, love, and a carefully curated collection of antiques, art, and pottery. Now, as Bill prepares to move closer to his children and grandchildren, he is opening the doors to a lifetime of collecting and inviting others to share in the joy these treasures have brought him.
Bill’s story as a collector began humbly—with a single Rookwood vase purchased at a yard sale for just twenty-five cents when he was a boy. That small spark ignited a passion that grew over the decades into an extraordinary collection. Guided by a discerning eye and a love for craftsmanship, Bill sought out timeless pieces of American pottery from renowned makers such as Rookwood, Weller, and Van Briggle. Each vase, bowl, and sculpture has its own story, but together they form a living history of artistry and design.
Collecting was never about prestige for Bill; it was about appreciation. He and his wife delighted in the search for unique items, often finding beauty where others saw only the ordinary. Their shared hobby became part of their family life, with each piece serving as a marker of memory—a reminder of trips taken, friendships formed, and quiet afternoons spent discovering something new.
Now, with “The Bill Thomas Collection” online auction, Bill is ready to pass along his treasures to a new generation of collectors. This sale is not simply about objects changing hands; it is about continuing a story. Each bidder has the opportunity to become part of Bill’s legacy, to care for these pieces as he has, and to find joy in them anew.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or someone just beginning your journey, this auction is a rare chance to step into the shoes of a man whose passion for beauty and history spanned a lifetime. Bill’s first Rookwood vase cost a quarter—but the value of his collection lies not just in dollars, but in decades of love, curiosity, and appreciation for the art of collecting.
